There were many ideas I was interested in in The Little Mermaid–Christianity, coming of age, familial love versus romantic love, Sirens, deformed monsters, beauty standards, the color red, ‘dumb’–but I was most intrigued by the symbolism of the pearls. It was not explained in this story beyond noble lines and status (unless I greatly missed something), so I decided to do a bit of research on the meaning behind pearls and how it may tie into this week’s reading. When the little mermaid’s grandmother is described, she is described as having the most pearls: “The sea-king had been a widower for many years, so his aged mother kept house for him. She was a very wise woman, but extremely proud of her noble birth, which entitled her to wear twelve oyster shells on her tail, while other well-born persons might only wear six” (p.108). One part I found noteworthy in this description was the number–is this related to the 12 disciples of Christ? Later, the little mermaid is given half pearls in her wreath when she comes of age.

So after looking online, I found this website that talked about symbolism of pearls https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-pearls-gems-yore/ (if anyone is inclined to read it). There are a few relevant points on this website, one of which is that pearls come from natural origins (formed in mollusks), which sets them apart from other precious gems (which are formed as minerals under the earth). As we have discussed in class, mermaids have a strong connection to the environment and often represent historical perspectives toward the environment. If pearls are a symbol of mermaids in this story, then we might assume that Anderson is stating that mermaids are part of nature/environment (also supported by the lack of soul), which also follows along with influence from Undine. Pearls and mermaids both have natural origins from nature. 

There are also lunar associations with pearls, due to their shape, which is circular when in salt water. This may represent the little mermaid’s obsession with the human world and the sun. Since the sun and moon are opposite, and she doesn’t like wearing the pearls, and is constantly thinking of the sun, then these pearls may represent the moon and everything opposing her. When describing the little mermaid’s plot of ground for gardening, Anderson states: “the youngest planted hers in a circle to imitate the sun, and chose flowers as red as the fun appeared to her” (p.109). Later, when she turns 15 and adorned with pearls and other accessories, she thinks: “how gladly would she have shaken off all this pomp and laid aside her heavy wreath–the red flowers in her garden adorned her far better” (p.113). 

Interestingly enough, the website also says that in Western culture pearls are often used as gifts for brides, and can keep newly wed brides from crying. One trait that stays consistent with the little mermaid in water and on land is that she cannot cry. “When the sisters rose up arm-in-arm through the water, the youngest would stand alone, looking after them, and felt ready to cry; only mermaids have no tears, and therefore suffer all the more” (p.113). This is when the little mermaid is still underwater. Later, when she is living among humans, she also cannot cry: “And the mermaid heaved a deep sigh, for tears she had none to shed” (p.125). If we continue to see pearls as a symbol for mermaids, then we can also see how pearls preventing brides from crying may also prevent mermaids from crying. It also gives a limited display of emotion for these merpeople, which makes them seem less human, even though they feel just as much.