In Disney’s beloved animated filmThe Little Mermaid, Ariel’s fascination with the human world is central to her character. Throughout the story, she collects a variety of human-made objects from shipwrecks and the ocean floor, often giving them amusing names based on her limited understanding of their purpose. These objects play a key role in developing Ariel’s curious and adventurous personality, and many fans enjoy identifying and interpreting the items in her secret grotto. Exploring the objects mentioned by Ariel offers insight into her dreams and serves as a fun way to connect with the movie’s whimsical imagination.
Ariel’s Curiosity About the Human World
Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, is deeply fascinated by humans and everything that belongs to their world. Despite being forbidden to explore the surface, she frequently visits shipwrecks and collects treasures left behind. Her secret grotto is filled with these objects items she believes are valuable or magical.
Her lack of knowledge about human inventions leads to humorous misunderstandings, and she often relies on her seagull friend, Scuttle, for explanations. Scuttle, unfortunately, is not the most reliable source of information, which results in many of the objects being hilariously misnamed and misunderstood.
The Importance of Ariel’s Collection
The objects Ariel collects represent more than just curiosity. They symbolize her desire to break free from the underwater restrictions imposed by her father and to discover her true self in the human world. Each item has its own story, and each contributes to the magical atmosphere of her world under the sea.
Famous Objects Mentioned by Ariel
Throughout the movie, Ariel names and describes several specific objects that she has collected. While many are recognizable to the audience, Ariel’s names and uses for them are part of the film’s charm. Below is a closer look at some of the most iconic objects Ariel mentions:
1. Dinglehopper
Probably the most famous item in Ariel’s collection, the dinglehopper is actually a fork. According to Scuttle, it is a human device used for styling hair. Ariel is seen brushing her hair with it, completely unaware of its actual purpose. This item is a fun example of how Ariel’s innocence and enthusiasm create comedic moments in the story.
2. Snarfblatt
The snarfblatt is a pipe, another misunderstood human object. Scuttle explains that it is used to make music, leading Ariel to blow into it as if it were an instrument. This misidentification adds another layer of humor and demonstrates Ariel’s playful imagination.
3. Thingamabobs
Thingamabobs is Ariel’s term for miscellaneous human items she collects but cannot name. In her song Part of Your World, she famously sings, I’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty. I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore. You want thingamabobs? I’ve got twenty!
This term captures the essence of her collection objects whose purposes she does not know but still treasures. It also showcases the sense of wonder she feels for the unknown world above.
Additional Items in Ariel’s Grotto
While not all the objects in Ariel’s collection are named during the film, viewers can spot many human items in her underwater hideout. These include:
- Books Though ruined by water, Ariel collects human literature, indicating her love for stories and learning.
- Glasses A pair of spectacles can be seen among her treasures, possibly a sign of her curiosity about human tools.
- Bottles Ariel keeps a variety of glass bottles, some possibly perfume containers or drink bottles.
- Jewelry Necklaces, bracelets, and trinkets decorate her collection, symbolizing her admiration for human beauty and fashion.
- Musical Instruments Including a broken violin, hinting at her interest in music beyond her mermaid voice.
- Candlestick Holders Elegant items that suggest her fascination with human decor and living spaces.
Symbolism of the Objects
The objects Ariel collects are symbolic of her inner desires and conflict. They represent her longing to be part of a world she doesn’t fully understand. While they may seem like random junk to others, to Ariel they are magical connections to the life she dreams of living.
Desire for Freedom and Identity
Each item is tied to Ariel’s identity as someone who doesn’t quite fit the mold of her underwater society. Her rebellious nature and curiosity push her to question her environment and search for meaning elsewhere. The objects she gathers become symbols of that personal journey.
Emotional Connection
Ariel doesn’t just collect these objects she cherishes them. Her song Part of Your World is sung with emotion and longing as she touches each item with reverence. The scene is a visual metaphor for her desire to find a place where she truly belongs.
Influence on Pop Culture
Over the years, Ariel’s grotto and the items within it have become iconic in pop culture. The dinglehopper especially is a fan-favorite reference, often used in Disney-themed merchandise and humor. Many fans enjoy creating their own versions of Ariel’s collection, using real-life objects with whimsical names.
The idea of collecting misunderstood or repurposed items has inspired themed scavenger hunts, fan art, and even educational games where children try to identify the true function of Ariel’s items. Her curiosity has become a celebration of imagination and exploration.
Educational and Interpretive Value
Ariel’s fascination with the human world can be used as a teaching tool in various contexts. In classrooms or creative workshops, her collection helps spark discussions about:
- Curiosity and learning through observation
- The importance of asking questions and seeking truth
- How cultural differences can affect interpretation
- The role of storytelling and symbolism in character development
By analyzing how Ariel misinterprets the objects, students can better understand how knowledge and context shape understanding. It also encourages them to be inquisitive and open-minded when encountering new ideas or unfamiliar tools.
Ariel’s Collection as a Window Into Her World
Finding the objects mentioned by Ariel is more than just a list of curiosities it’s a journey into the heart of a character defined by her dreams and determination. Every dinglehopper, snarfblatt, and thingamabob reflects a piece of Ariel’s spirit. These items may seem small or silly, but they hold great meaning in the story of a young mermaid who dared to explore the world beyond her own. Through her collection, audiences are reminded of the joy of discovery and the power of wonder, making Ariel’s grotto one of the most beloved parts of Disney’s animated legacy.