The Little Mermaid Summary & Key Insights

Michael Teitelbaum and Sue DiCicco's "The Little Mermaid" isn't a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, but rather a novelization based on Disney's 1989 animated film. The story retains the core elements of the classic while expanding on the characters and their motivations.

The narrative centers on Ariel, a spirited and rebellious young mermaid princess, youngest daughter of King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica. Ariel possesses a deep fascination with the human world, which she observes from afar, collecting human artifacts. This fascination is heightened by her encounters with Prince Eric, a charming human prince, whom she rescues from a shipwreck. Falling deeply in love with him, she makes a desperate deal with Ursula, a powerful and malevolent sea witch.

Ursula offers Ariel the chance to become human for three days, in exchange for her enchanting voice. If Ariel doesn't receive true love's kiss from Eric within that time, she'll become a sea creature under Ursula's control forever. Ariel, blinded by love, readily accepts the deal, losing her voice and becoming vulnerable.

Throughout the three days, Ariel relies on her mute state to interact with Eric, using creative gestures and actions to communicate. While Eric is enchanted by her, he's unaware of her mermaid origins, only noticing her mysterious and ethereal quality. Meanwhile, Ursula, in the guise of a seemingly kind human named Vanessa, manipulates Eric using Ariel’s voice, stealing his affections and attempting to marry him.

Triton, discovering his daughter's actions and the threat Ursula poses, initially disowns Ariel. However, witnessing Ariel's unwavering love for Eric and seeing the danger she's in, he softens and intervenes. Ariel's friends, Flounder (a loyal and timid fish) and Sebastian (Triton's well-meaning but often exasperated crab), play vital roles in supporting her and thwarting Ursula's plans. Scuttle, a well-meaning but often misguided seagull, provides comic relief and (mostly) accurate human information.

The climax sees a dramatic showdown between Triton and Ursula, culminating in Triton's ultimate sacrifice to save Ariel. However, Ariel’s unwavering love for Eric allows him to overcome Ursula’s spell, ultimately fulfilling the conditions of the agreement and transforming Ariel into a human permanently. The story concludes with Ariel and Eric's wedding, signifying their enduring love and the blending of two worlds.

The overarching themes explored are the power of love, the risks of impulsivity, the importance of family, and the acceptance of differences. The story highlights the struggle between free will and obligation, as Ariel defies her father's wishes in pursuit of her desires. Ultimately, the novel celebrates the triumph of love over adversity and the possibilities that arise from embracing one's true self.