Here are some great (and 100% correct, lol) opinions from Disney fans about Ariel From The Little Mermaid! And we also support the fact that Ariel is an Anthropologist.
(via: Pinterest)
Opinions on Ariel From The Little Mermaid
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In the actual tale as told by H.C. Andersen, Ariel is in no sense manipulated, and in fact is even warned by the sea-witch of the dire consequences should her choice not lead to what she hopes it will. She chooses it anyway, despite the warnings, and suffers a life of crippling pain in consequence when the person she fell for falls for someone else instead.
Disney did what Disney does and saccharised the tale, because they can’t handle a story with a sad ending. And now, multiple generations believe that Disney’s version contains the gist of the original tale, and entirely miss the multiple points that the tale was trying to convey. Namely: that our hearts are treacherous and when unthinkingly heeded will often lead us to the worst of outcomes; that we seldom recognize what is in our own best interests when we ardently pursue it; that we are not in control of other peoples’ choices or desires, no matter how much we want to believe we are; that there is always a price too high; and that it is better to regret a thing unknown than a horror unleashed.
The Little Mermaid in its original form is a sad and cautionary tale with a very unhappy ending. In the interests of the tale, it should have been left that way. But of course, if it had been, Disney would not have been doing what Disney does.
Disney made the story interesting. As for H.C. Anderson, you have to remember his “points” in the tale were derived from him being a Disaster Bi Trash Fire. If he was a half-way stable author (even for his time) maybe the points would be more important.
Anderson wrote the story specifically to guilt his male love interest, who he had grown up with as sibling-like relationship in the same home for much of their childhoods, because his male love interest had the gall to get engaged and actually marry the woman he was engaged to. Anderson also actually sent TLM story to him.