Though The Little Mermaid was no less gruesome and painful than most of the other children's stories, I did find it to be surprisingly different in a huge way. In this story the princess doesn't actually get the prince and in my opinion doesn't live too happily-ever-after. I don't think I have ever read a fairytale in which the main character finds dissapointment at the end of their journey. The unfortunate outcome for this princess of the sea does however deliver a message to young girls that will eventually be conveyed anyway, that you don't always get what you want. I think many of these stories set girls up for dissapointment. Girls grow up reading about other girls always getting the guy they want, always overcoming evil, and regrettably that is not how it works outside the castle walls. Though it's wonderful to have an optimistic view as a child, it is also important to prepare yourself for the harsh reality of the cruel world.
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