The Little Mermaid Disney Film Analysis

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — Ariel: In Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989), what is Ariel's primary motivation compared to Andersen's mermaid?

• Pursuing a prince above all else

• Obeying her father and maintaining sea traditions

• Exploring the human world and claiming a life on land

• Protecting the ocean from human ships

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — Ariel: Which description best captures how Ariel's personality differs from Andersen's mermaid?

• Ariel is more rebellious, expressive, and adventurous; Andersen's mermaid is quieter and more dutiful

• Ariel is more obedient and reserved; Andersen's mermaid is outspoken and defiant

• Both are equally stoic and rule‑bound

• Both are primarily motivated by religious devotion

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — Ariel: What does Ariel collect, and what does this symbolize compared to the original tale?

• Seashells, symbolizing contentment with sea life

• Human artifacts, symbolizing curiosity and desire for the human world

• Royal treasures, symbolizing a wish for political power

• Magic trinkets, symbolizing a desire for sorcery

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — Prince Eric: Compared to the passive prince in Andersen's tale, how actively does Disney's Prince Eric shape the plot?

• He is largely passive and acted upon by others

• He takes significant action, including risking himself and ultimately confronting the villain

• He disappears for most of the story

• He only provides narration rather than action

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — Prince Eric: What best describes Eric's character and what he wants in the film?

• An arranged marriage and royal duty above all

• A quiet life far from the sea

• True love on his own terms and seafaring adventure

• To become king immediately by any means

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — The Sea King / King Triton: Compared to the grandmotherly "sea king" figure in Andersen's story, how does King Triton's role and relationship with Ariel differ in the film?

• He is Ariel's indulgent mentor who encourages rule‑breaking

• He is a distant bureaucrat with no family ties

• He is a strict, protective father whose conflict with Ariel drives the plot

• He is a comic sidekick who offers jokes but little authority

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — The Sea King / King Triton: What are Triton's primary rules and fears regarding Ariel?

• He requires Ariel to visit the surface weekly to learn from humans

• He forbids contact with the human world, fearing humans are dangerous

• He insists Ariel marry a merman immediately

• He wants Ariel to trade with sea witches for power

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — The Villain (Ursula): How does Ursula, a Disney creation, compare to the sea witch concept in Andersen's story?

• Ursula is a morally neutral helper like the original witch

• Ursula is an openly villainous schemer seeking power, unlike the more transactional original witch

• Both are benevolent protectors

• Both are silent, non‑magical observers

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — The Villain (Ursula): What is Ursula's motivation, and how does her deal with Ariel differ from the original witch's bargain?

• She wants to protect Ariel; her deal ensures Ariel's safety regardless of outcome

• She seeks revenge and power over Triton; the time‑limited deal tricks Ariel by taking her voice and claiming her if she fails

• She desires human approval; the deal grants Ariel permanent legs with no conditions

• She aims to end magic; the deal bans all spells

Part 1: Characters & Motivations — The Role of Friends: What functions do Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle serve in Disney's film that are not present in the original tale?

• Royal antagonists who sabotage Ariel

• Comic relief, guidance, and protection that shape events

• Silent background extras with no impact

• Religious mentors focused on salvation