Why Ariel is Fed Up with Being a Mermaid in The Little Mermaid

In the Disney adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Ariel's dissatisfaction with her life as a mermaid is a central theme. This article delves into the reasons why Ariel is so eager to transform into a human and challenges common interpretations of her motivations.

Isolation and Curiosity About the Human World

Ariel's enchantment with the human world is a key factor in her desire to change. The animated film portrays her collecting human artifacts, symbolizing her fascination and yearning for understanding and integration. However, her father King Triton and other merfolk dismiss her interests, leading to a sense of isolation and deep frustration. She feels constrained by the limited life she leads under the sea and longs for the freedom and experiences of being human.

Desire for Love and Connection

Ariel’s romantic interests in Prince Eric add another layer to her dissatisfaction. Her deep love for him intensifies her longing to become human. She believes that being with him will bring her happiness and fulfillment, something her mermaid life lacks. This aspect of her desire is central to her decision to make the life-altering choice to transform and marry the human prince.

Rebellion Against Authority

Additionally, Ariel's desire to become human represents a form of rebellion against her father's authority. By seeking to transform into a human, she asserts her independence and challenges the strict rules and expectations placed on her by her family. This narrative showcases a strong and determined character who is not willing to be constrained by her upbringing.

The Original Story: A Deeper Calling

While the Disney adaptation focuses on Ariel's love for Prince Eric, the original story and other interpretations of the Mermaid tale offer a more profound reason for her transformation. In the original, Ariel had no interest in material things. Unlike her sisters, who enjoyed raiding shipwrecks, Ariel found her grotto well-stocked and had a personal garden. Her fascination with a statue of a young prince led her to fall in love, but initially, her primary desire was to experience love rather than become human.

Ariel's sisters' tales of the surface world ignited her imagination, and when she discovered the prince from her statue was alive, she became even more determined to be with him. Her quest for an immortal soul, a concept that was too deep for a cartoon film, adds a layer of depth to her character. In this interpretation, her dissatisfaction is rooted in a profound desire to connect through love and to achieve a more meaningful existence, not just for the sake of a man, but for the sake of a higher calling.

Modern Interpretations

Given the nuance of the original story, modern interpretations can offer a more compelling reason for Ariel's transformation. A contemporary understanding is that Ariel was always pulled towards a human-like life, driven by an inner calling to be human. Her desire to be with the prince is part of a greater journey to achieve immortality and a deeper sense of self. This perspective makes her character more relatable and her choices more understandable.

Regardless of the interpretation, Ariel's dissatisfaction with her life as a mermaid drives her to pursue her dreams, making her a complex and relatable character. Whether it's for love, freedom, or a higher calling, her journey is a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences around the world.