Directions: Read the following passage carefully and choose the best answer out of the four choices given after each question that follows:

Among the most important themes in the Disney movie The little Mermaid are those of questioning conventional thinking, and pursing a dream. Not only is Ariel, the little mermaid, demonstrating original thought (something that many seem to think she is lacking), but also she is rebelling against her speciesist father. When Ariel expresses her love for the human prince, King Trident is furious. When Ariel points out angrily that he does not understand her, or even know the man whom she loves. Trident retorts, "Know him? I don't need to know him! he is a human! In a very real way Disney is encouraging children to question preconceived ideas that we may have against a certain group.

Disney also teaches children to pursue what they love. We see that Ariel's love for Prince Eric is more important than all else. In turning to the sea Witch, Ursula, for help, Ariel makes a mistake but no true hero or heroine is flawless. Ariel puts herself, her family and all merfolk in danger but we see that with the help of her prince she is able to put everything right.

At the end of the film, when Ursula has forced king Trident to sacrifice his kingdom for his daughter's soul, the Sea Witch rises out of the water, gigantic and terrifying wearing the king's crown and holding his magic trident, She laughs evilly and declares that she is the ruler of all mermen and women. "So much for true love!" she screams victoriously. Eric, however succeeds in piloting the prow of his ship straight through her belly, vanquishing her. The moral here is that while we all make mistakes what is truly important is how we right the wrongs we may do to others.