When studying The Little Mermaid with a more intense focus on close reading, it is evident that there are things I missed when I’ve watched it in the past. Ever since we discussed the marriage that was seemingly transactional, it seems to be a common trend in what they call romance. I am still fascinated, yet confused about the idea of receiving a soul in a mermaid, human relationship. What else does that have to say about the relationship? In this case, even though she doesn’t lose her ability to sing in a deal with the prince himself, it is for him that she looses this. It is almost frustrating how the characters often leave behind a part of themselves in order to gain the acceptance and validation of the other. This makes me eager to dive deeper into the ideals of love and romance that come from literature.

In addition, I think this story perfectly exemplifies the female-male relationship in the maritime industry. As I have mentioned in class discussion, a boat is always considered to be a female. According to Clipper Marine, “By referring to boats as female, sailors believed that they were connecting with the nurturing and protective roles traditionally associated with women” . In all honesty, I thought the reasoning behind this had stemmed from misogyny, but it seems the connotation takes the opposition. The female is considered secure and protective in this case, rather than objectified. In the text, it is clear that the little mermaid is the reason the prince survived the wreck. This is the first time in the literature I have recognized this trait in a mermaid, and it is interesting that it can be connected to the real world sailing world. Excited to discuss more of this going forward.

Why Are Boats Female?