As someone who was a young girl in the late eighties and nineties, I can attest to all of this. My Father and I’s relationship has always been much like Ariel and Triton in so many ways. And I didn’t fully appreciate the nuances with his character until I became a parent myself.
A couple of things I would add as well. The extra burden of being a king also plays a role. When it comes to the king in Cinderella, it’s not just about his desire for his son’s happiness or for grandchildren. But there’s the added weight of having an heir to the throne. Though it isn’t as big of an issue as it once was, it’s still an important factor. I imagine Triton must feel that weight as well. Which makes the decision to take his daughter’s place that much harder. As a father who loves his child, obviously, he doesn’t think twice. But he also has to consider the fact he’s putting the entire kingdom in great jeopardy.
When it comes to Triton’s interactions with Ariel, I think he sees a lot of himself in her which probably terrifies him to an extent, but it also brings them closer. And, not to mention, he has to do it all alone knowing he can’t ever replace her mother. I know that has to be one of the hardest things to endure. He’s looking at this young girl (still seeing her as his little girl), wondering how the hell he’s going to be able to do it alone, how he can be the parent she needs.
I would also like to go on record to say that, despite my best efforts, I was never able to woo any man with my voice, lol. Though it’s something of which every girl who grew up watching this dreamt.
Interesting that the original version of the fairy tale is FAR more tragic. Read it a long time ago and vaguely recall details but pretty sure she dies of a broken heart, pretty much what her father predicted.
It's a very real and accurate portrayal of such a relationship in a fictional story. This is the kind of thing Disney used to do well and now can't (except in occasional circumstances).
As someone who was a young girl in the late eighties and nineties, I can attest to all of this. My Father and I’s relationship has always been much like Ariel and Triton in so many ways. And I didn’t fully appreciate the nuances with his character until I became a parent myself.
A couple of things I would add as well. The extra burden of being a king also plays a role. When it comes to the king in Cinderella, it’s not just about his desire for his son’s happiness or for grandchildren. But there’s the added weight of having an heir to the throne. Though it isn’t as big of an issue as it once was, it’s still an important factor. I imagine Triton must feel that weight as well. Which makes the decision to take his daughter’s place that much harder. As a father who loves his child, obviously, he doesn’t think twice. But he also has to consider the fact he’s putting the entire kingdom in great jeopardy.
When it comes to Triton’s interactions with Ariel, I think he sees a lot of himself in her which probably terrifies him to an extent, but it also brings them closer. And, not to mention, he has to do it all alone knowing he can’t ever replace her mother. I know that has to be one of the hardest things to endure. He’s looking at this young girl (still seeing her as his little girl), wondering how the hell he’s going to be able to do it alone, how he can be the parent she needs.
I would also like to go on record to say that, despite my best efforts, I was never able to woo any man with my voice, lol. Though it’s something of which every girl who grew up watching this dreamt.
Such a beautiful comment, I honestly don’t have the words, well said MaKenna and you’re right about the crown being a burden and all.
Might have to have Dan watch Ever After to do commentaries on that film after Galavant.
Oh I LOVE Ever After! Probably my favorite telling of Cinderella.
Hahaha it is indeed one of the best.
Interesting that the original version of the fairy tale is FAR more tragic. Read it a long time ago and vaguely recall details but pretty sure she dies of a broken heart, pretty much what her father predicted.
Yep
It's a very real and accurate portrayal of such a relationship in a fictional story. This is the kind of thing Disney used to do well and now can't (except in occasional circumstances).
Agreed