Song Analysis #2 “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
Imagine a life under a river, under a lake, even under a sea not knowing what life was like above the water. Being kept away from a society so close to one’s own, but never having the opportunity to experience their life, has an effect on one’s emotions. The longing, the dreaming put into seeing things that can never be apart of one’s own world inspires hopes that can lead to rebellion. The unseen oppression of one’s parents keeping a daughter away from a part of society that they do not understand brings unanswered questions of what the world really consists of. In the Disney film, The Little Mermaid, illustrates hidden meanings through figurative language that teaches children morales of life in a simple manner. The main theme of the movie is that it is all right to stand up for what one wants, to have dreams for the future, to not let anyone prevent those dreams from coming true. Dreaming of a foreign life within the lyrical composition, “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman creates an astounding song by using figurative language as well as appealing to the emotions to portray the dreams of the Little Mermaid.
The song in it’s entirety compiles a series of figurative speech and rhetorical devices that are used for points of emphasis. Question after question is asked by the speaker, however, they are all rhetorical questions that do not require an answer as in, “What’s a fire, and why does it-what’s the word? Burn” (VIII: 40). This affect makes the audience feel as if they are incorporated into the song due to being asked directly creating a connection between the audience and speaker. “Love to explore that shore up above” (IX:43) is an exemplary example of a synecdoche due to the real intention of exploring the world and not only just the shore. The shore represents only part of what she desires; her mind is set on expanding her knowledge of the world above. Not uncommonly found in a children’s song is complementary alliteration and assonance that create a memorable tune, which Menken and Ashman portray in almost every verse. The content of the lyrics focus on everyday actions that even the smallest of children can comprehend to increase the audience that this song can relate to, such things as dancing, walking, jumping, strolling, exploring and more. Simple words also lend to multiple interpretations because one can look simply at the literal meaning, or the deeper meaning hidden within the chosen diction and syntax. By incorporating numerous techniques a song has the ability to transform from good to magnificent.
Menken and Ashman rely on the use of pathos to effectively send their message to their audience. In the third stanza the line reads “No big deal. I want more”(III:14) which are two contradictory statements juxtaposed together to emphasize the speaker’s emotions to indicate that despite claiming she has everything, those things do not reflect her hidden desire of wanting to know what lies above the sea. The message within is directed towards parents who manipulate material things to try and replace any intention of their child wanting to explore differences, or make their dreams a reality. Also, they use a metaphor “Ready to stand” (XIII:35) to represent a child ready for the world, ready to be on their own and learn for themselves, ready to define their character and life. The message reaches out towards hovering parents who fear that the world is a dreadful place to send their child; but the reality is that the longer a child is sheltered the harder it will be for them to adapt to their surroundings. Ariel in the movie demonstrates this theory perfectly because she was kept away from the world and rebelled to experience life, which almost had catastrophic endings, but she also was not prepared to live on her own which can be frightening for parents to think of. This song shows the longing and dreaming of being able to experience new things and how it deeply affects the emotions of a caring parent who does not want to see their blessed child fall.
Many do not immediately choose a children’s song as being deep and meaningful; however, they are the ones that are most important because of the impression they leave on the future generation. The themes inside every Disney song represent a morale that every child should learn, and every adult should be reminded of. In particular, “Part of Your World” demonstrates letting individuals explore their options and surroundings to make their own opinions and judgements, and to not keep them protected or versed in one’s own views. Dreams are meant to be fulfilled, even if they are the grandest of the grand, because without dreams there cannot be any hopes or goals for the future. Menken and Ashman created most of the Disney classics in terms of musical compositions, and there is a reason why they are memorable. The techniques and moving melodies add powerful emphasis and lasting impressions of values that every child needs to be properly nurtured in life lessons. “Part of Your World” is a truly inspirational song that incorporates figurative language and emotional appeals to convey their messages.
