A Pequena Sereia - Poor Unfortunate Souls

In Disney's song 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' from 'The Little Mermaid,' the character Ursula, a sea witch, presents herself as a benevolent helper to Ariel, a young mermaid longing to become human. Ursula's initial dialogue is filled with a false sense of empathy and understanding, as she claims to live for aiding 'unfortunate merfolk.' This sets the stage for a classic tale of manipulation, where Ursula's true intentions are masked by her seemingly generous offer.

Ursula's character is a master of persuasion, using her past reputation as a 'nasty' witch to her advantage by claiming she has reformed. She preys on Ariel's vulnerabilities and desires, promising to fulfill her wish to become human and be with her love interest. However, the price Ursula demands is Ariel's voice, a metaphor for her identity and agency. This exchange highlights the theme of sacrifice and the lengths to which individuals might go to achieve their dreams, often at great personal cost.

The song also delves into societal expectations and gender roles. Ursula's advice to Ariel about the importance of 'body language' and the preference for women to be seen rather than heard reflects a critical commentary on how women are often valued more for their appearance than their voices or opinions. This reinforces the idea that Ariel's transformation is not just physical but also involves conforming to restrictive societal norms. The song's dark undertones and Ursula's manipulative tactics serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making deals with those who do not have one's best interests at heart.