The story of "The Little Mermaid" has many morals ranging from ancient ideas of how a woman should behave to more modern thoughts on what is considered "bravery."
One of the most argued morals of this tale is that of women holding their tongues and being silent beings. In older times, it was considered ill mannered for a woman to voice her opinions. Women were beings that should be looked at, not heard. They were there for the entertainment of men and to keep the house clean and warm for the return of their husbands from a long day of work.
Another well argued moral is that of "the grass is not always greener on the other side." While the mermaid wishes to live a life on land because the celebrations, the clothing, the machines, etc. infatuate her, she eventually realizes her mistake. She had overlooked the greatness of the life she was already living and regrets that she will never be able to return to her wonderfully peaceful life.
One argument that is present in almost all versions of the tale is that of being careful what you wish for. This oral is seen in most tales but specifically in this one. The main character wishes for the undying love of her prince but she must give up her voice in exchange. While she does know what she is giving up, she doesn't realize how important her voice is to her.
A fourth possible moral is that of the voice and the ability and bravery to speak up. The main character loses her voice and with it any hopes of marrying her prince or ever having a say in anything again. While this may have been a virtue in the beginning days of the tale, it is now considered shameful to be quiet and keep your opinions to yourself. It is important in today's time to share your opinions and have your own thoughts. One cannot go through life without ever having a say in decisions that affect you.
I believe that a very important moral in this story is that of family value. The main character quickly gives up the love of her family for a prince whom she's never even talked to. She disappoints her father and leaves her sisters without a second thought. She gives up such a powerful love from her family, for a questioning love from the prince. It is important that reader's realize the main characters mistake in trading in her family for one man who she doesn't know very well.
One of the most argued morals of this tale is that of women holding their tongues and being silent beings. In older times, it was considered ill mannered for a woman to voice her opinions. Women were beings that should be looked at, not heard. They were there for the entertainment of men and to keep the house clean and warm for the return of their husbands from a long day of work.
Another well argued moral is that of "the grass is not always greener on the other side." While the mermaid wishes to live a life on land because the celebrations, the clothing, the machines, etc. infatuate her, she eventually realizes her mistake. She had overlooked the greatness of the life she was already living and regrets that she will never be able to return to her wonderfully peaceful life.
One argument that is present in almost all versions of the tale is that of being careful what you wish for. This oral is seen in most tales but specifically in this one. The main character wishes for the undying love of her prince but she must give up her voice in exchange. While she does know what she is giving up, she doesn't realize how important her voice is to her.
A fourth possible moral is that of the voice and the ability and bravery to speak up. The main character loses her voice and with it any hopes of marrying her prince or ever having a say in anything again. While this may have been a virtue in the beginning days of the tale, it is now considered shameful to be quiet and keep your opinions to yourself. It is important in today's time to share your opinions and have your own thoughts. One cannot go through life without ever having a say in decisions that affect you.
I believe that a very important moral in this story is that of family value. The main character quickly gives up the love of her family for a prince whom she's never even talked to. She disappoints her father and leaves her sisters without a second thought. She gives up such a powerful love from her family, for a questioning love from the prince. It is important that reader's realize the main characters mistake in trading in her family for one man who she doesn't know very well.