A Pequena Sereia - Pobres Corações Infelizes
Disney
The Dark Bargain: Ursula's Tempting Offer in 'Pobres Corações Infelizes'
In the song 'Pobres Corações Infelizes' from Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' Ursula, the sea witch, presents a dark and tempting offer to Ariel, the young mermaid. Ursula's character is cunning and manipulative, using her magical abilities to prey on the vulnerabilities of 'poor unfortunate souls' who seek her help. The song is a masterclass in persuasion, as Ursula convinces Ariel to trade her voice for a chance to become human and win the love of Prince Eric.
Ursula's lyrics reveal her deceptive nature. She starts by portraying herself as a reformed villain, claiming to have turned over a new leaf and now using her powers to help those in need. This is a classic manipulation tactic, as she builds trust with Ariel by presenting herself as a benevolent figure. However, her true intentions are revealed as she outlines the harsh terms of the deal: Ariel must get a kiss of true love from the prince within three days, or she will revert to being a mermaid and belong to Ursula forever.
The song also delves into themes of sacrifice and the cost of desire. Ariel is faced with a difficult choice: to give up her voice, a core part of her identity, for a chance at love. Ursula's insistence that Ariel's voice is a small price to pay highlights the witch's disregard for the true value of personal expression and autonomy. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making deals with those who do not have your best interests at heart, and the high price that can come with pursuing one's deepest desires without fully understanding the consequences.