Ariel is a beloved character from the Disney animated movie “The Little Mermaid.” Fans of the movie often wonder about Ariel’s age, as it is not explicitly stated in the movie. In this essay, we will explore the evidence and arguments on both sides of the debate, and provide a detailed analysis of Ariel’s age based on the information that is available.
The question of Ariel’s age has been a topic of debate among fans of “The Little Mermaid” for many years. Some fans believe that Ariel is a teenager, while others think that she is much younger or older.
One argument in favor of Ariel being a teenager is based on her physical appearance and behavior. Ariel has a youthful and energetic personality, and she is often depicted as being playful and impulsive. She also has a slender and lithe figure, which is typical of teenage girls. Additionally, Ariel is shown to be interested in exploring the world and experiencing new things, which is a common trait among teenagers.
On the other hand, there are many arguments in favor of Ariel being much younger or older. Some fans believe that Ariel is a child, based on her innocent and naive personality. Others think that she is an adult, based on her responsibilities as a princess and her desire to marry a prince.
Evidence for Ariel’s Age
To determine Ariel’s age, we need to look at the evidence that is available from the movie and other sources. One piece of evidence is Ariel’s physical appearance. As mentioned earlier, Ariel has a slender and lithe figure, which suggests that she is a teenager. She also has a youthful and energetic personality, which is consistent with the behavior of many teenagers. However, it is worth noting that physical appearance alone is not always a reliable indicator of age.
Another piece of evidence is Ariel’s relationship with her father, King Triton. In the movie, King Triton is depicted as a protective and overbearing father who is concerned about Ariel’s safety and well-being. This suggests that Ariel is still relatively young and inexperienced, and that she is not yet ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. Additionally, Ariel’s fascination with the human world and her desire to explore it are also indicative of a youthful and curious personality.
Furthermore, Ariel’s behavior towards Eric, the human prince she falls in love with, also suggests that she is a teenager. Ariel is shown to be infatuated with Eric and is willing to risk everything to be with him. This kind of impulsive behavior is often associated with teenage crushes.
In addition, the movie’s soundtrack provides further clues to Ariel’s age. In the song “Part of Your World,” Ariel expresses her desire to explore the human world and experience new things. This is a common theme among teenagers who are eager to break free from their parents’ rules and explore the world on their own.
Finally, we can look at the context of the movie itself. “The Little Mermaid” was released in 1989, at a time when many Disney movies were targeted at young audiences. The movie’s themes and messages are also geared towards younger viewers, such as the importance of following your dreams and the value of family and friendship. This suggests that Ariel is likely a teenager, as the movie was intended for a younger audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the question of Ariel’s age is a subject of much debate among fans of “The Little Mermaid,” the evidence suggests that she is most likely a teenager. Her physical appearance, behavior, relationship with her father, infatuation with Eric, and the context of the movie all point to the idea that she is still young and inexperienced, and not yet ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood.
It is worth noting that the age of Ariel is less important than the themes and messages of the movie. “The Little Mermaid” emphasizes the importance of following your dreams, even if it means going against the wishes of others. It also highlights the value of family and friendship, and the importance of staying true to yourself. These themes are relevant to viewers of all ages, and they continue to resonate with audiences today.
Furthermore, the impact of Ariel as a character goes beyond her age. She is a symbol of empowerment and independence for young girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break free from societal expectations. Her story also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, as she is a mermaid living in a world of humans, and she ultimately learns to appreciate and embrace the differences between the two worlds.
In conclusion, while the debate over Ariel’s age may never be fully resolved, it is clear that the character has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Her story continues to inspire and entertain, and it serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the importance of staying true to oneself.
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