Ariel may look a lot like Barbie, and her adventure may be
Ariel may look a lot like Barbie, and her adventure may be limited to romance and over with the wedding bells, but unlike, say, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, she's active, brave and determined, the heroine of her own life. She even rescues the prince. And that makes her a rare fish, indeed, in the world of preschool culture.
The words of Katha Pollitt unveil a truth hidden in the songs and tales of childhood: though many heroines are bound by romance, wedding bells, and passive waiting, the mermaid Ariel dares to step beyond. She may share the shining beauty of a Barbie doll, yet unlike the silent figures of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, she burns with desire, courage, and unyielding will. She seeks, she acts, she chooses her fate, and in doing so, she becomes not merely a bride, but the heroine of her own life.
This teaching reminds us that true nobility lies not in waiting for deliverance, but in grasping the oar and steering the vessel of destiny. Ariel’s story is not simply of love found, but of selfhood pursued. She leaves the safety of her father’s kingdom, defies ancient fears, and risks her very voice to chase after the world she longs to know. In the end, she even rescues the prince himself, reversing the order of fairy-tale tradition. Thus she emerges as a rare fish indeed, one who embodies both yearning and bravery, beauty and action.
History offers us kindred spirits. Consider Joan of Arc, the maiden of France, who at seventeen cast off the quiet life expected of her sex and seized the banner of war. She did not wait for rescue or for fate to guide her gently. She acted with a fire unlooked for, leading soldiers, lifting nations, and striking fear into the hearts of enemies. Like Ariel, Joan reminds us that the heroine is not one who merely dreams, but one who dares.
Pollitt’s words reveal the deeper hunger within stories: children, even in the earliest years, crave figures who act, who challenge, who embody the strength they too might find within themselves. In a culture where too often heroines have been reduced to slumber, passivity, and reward through marriage, Ariel shines as a spark of possibility. She teaches that even in tales of love, a woman may carry the sword of her own courage.
Therefore, let this truth be carried forward: the greatness of a heroine is not in her crown, nor in her gown, nor in the hand she takes at the altar, but in her spirit—her resolve to live bravely and shape her destiny. Such characters, whether in myth, history, or children’s stories, serve as mirrors for the next generation, whispering: “You too may be the hero of your life. You too may rescue, endure, and triumph.”
GDGold D.dragon
This quote highlights a subtle evolution in how women were portrayed in animation. Ariel isn’t perfect, but she represents a shift from passivity to action. I think it’s important that preschoolers see female heroes who make choices — even messy ones. Still, I can’t help but wonder: does her journey truly empower, or does it still reinforce the idea that happiness depends on winning the prince?
TNThuy Nguyen
What stands out to me is how Ariel’s story straddles two worlds — both literally and symbolically. She embodies independence and rebellion, yet the narrative still funnels her into a romantic resolution. It raises the question: can female characters in children’s media be celebrated for ambition and adventure without having to be defined by love or marriage at the end?
LKLinh Khanh
It’s fascinating that the author points out Ariel’s active role compared to earlier princesses. She’s not waiting around — she’s the one driving the story. But it’s also interesting how her independence still leads to a very traditional ending. Does that undermine her progress, or does it simply reflect the limits of storytelling at the time? I’d love to see how modern versions reinterpret her character.
L7Kim Thuy Linh 7A4
This perspective makes me rethink how we see Disney princesses. Ariel, unlike many before her, actually takes control of her destiny, even if her motivation is romantic. I wonder if that mix of bravery and vulnerability is what made her so relatable to so many kids. Can we acknowledge her flaws while still appreciating her as a step forward in how female characters were portrayed?
KLNguyen Khanh Linh
I really like how this interpretation of Ariel gives her more credit than people usually do. She’s often reduced to the girl who gave up her voice for love, but there’s also courage and agency in her choices. Maybe it’s not about perfection, but about showing young viewers that heroines can be curious, bold, and take risks — even if their story still ends with romance.