Unrequited Love In The Pact And The Little Mermaid

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Unrequited love is love that is not openly reciprocated, even though reciprocation is usually deeply desired. The beloved may not even be aware of their admirer’s deep affections. Jodi Picoult, author of ‘The Pact’, and Tim Reid, director of ‘The Little Mermaid (1975)’ incorporate the theme of unrequited love in their respected texts with techniques portraying unrequited love.
The Little Mermaid depicts unrequited love through the characterisation of Marina; the tragic heroine. During her final moments, Marina is presented with a last-second chance; murder her beloved Prince to re-join her sisters in the ocean, or metamorphose into sea foam; eternally consumed by grief. Marina chooses to spare the Prince, opting to immerse herself in the ocean …show more content…

Both authors convey this message through the technique of irony. In Piclout’s text, irony is evident through Christopher. Although he is oblivious towards Emily’s true feelings towards their relationship, he holds no malicious intent towards her. “I love you," he whispered, and that was the moment he knew what he was going to do. When you loved someone, you put their needs before your own. No matter how inconceivable those needs were; no matter how f**ked up; no matter how much it made you feel like you were ripping yourself into pieces. ” Ironically, Christopher’s devotion for Emily results in her death. This technique is used to show that Christopher’s heart only ever beloved to Emily; prior and post her death. Christopher’s devotion, although a double-edged sword, is engraved in heart; along with his only love. Compared to Piclout, Reid shows that unrequited love occur within platonic relationship; through Fritz, Marina’s companion. ‘[…] No! Oh, I can’t bear the thought of you dying Marina! There must be some way out of this! No, I don’t believe you have to die. You’re too good Marina – I can’t say goodbye forever. I can’t. I can’t!’ Unlike previous relationships Marina’s friendship with Fritz was unrequited. Fritz pleads for Marina to cease this madness, before she dies for an unattainable love. Ironically Fritz’s pleas fall deaf on Marina’s ears, instead, Fritz is forced to watch his best friend, sink to the bottom of the ocean. Both authors demonstrate that unrequited love, either platonic or romantic, isn’t just a painful reminder of a lost love. But a devotion to your

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