Song of the Snow Queen
My impression of the song “Let It Go” is that it is a cathartic expression of Elsa recognizing that which makes her unique: her role as the Snow Queen. Ever since she was a child, Elsa has been told to conceal her gift for creating winter because her power accidently brought harm to her sister, Anna. As time passes and her magic grows stronger, Elsa’s frigid demeanor creates a wall around the beautiful queen that forces her into a life of painful solitude. In truth though, this attitude is a mask that hides the deeply rooted fear that Elsa is feeling; a fear that is manifested by her compulsive desire to always wear her gloves and isolate herself from those around her – especially Anna.
The song “Let it Go” illustrates Elsa literally and metaphorically letting go of her fears and insecurities and accepting her true identity as the Snow Queen by embracing her power without being consumed by it.
As Elsa removes each layer of her “armor”, the audience witnesses a dramatic transformation in Elsa; a change that is reflected both physically and emotionally. Up until this moment, Elsa has regarded her power as malevolent entity that must be hidden deep inside of her. When she removes her gloves, this act symbolizes Elsa’s willingness break the shackles of fear that have held her captive for so long and embrace her magic rather than hide from it. Ultimately, Elsa’s metamorphosis symbolizes her willingness to cast aside the expectations of those around her and find happiness on her own terms by truly embracing her new identity as the Snow Queen. I find this song to be not only beautiful and deeply emotional but also an inspiring homage to a truly unique Disney heroine because it illustrates Elsa’s ability to be herself and not conform to the expectations of those around her.
I could be wrong, but I think the problem that many people have with this song is that it illustrates a Disney princess archetype that differs from the established code set by its predecessors. Most Disney princesses are a unique variation of the same formula: they are the pretty girl who dreams of finding love, marrying the prince and living happily ever after. Queen Elsa does not follow this pattern. First of all, she is probably one of the only Disney heroines to hold the title of Queen instead of Princess. While she is pretty, Elsa doesn’t fall in love with the handsome prince to find her happy ending. Instead, she finds happiness on her own terms. She is a strong, independent woman who learns that she can fight her own battles without falling into the cliché of being the damsel in distress. While all of these elements make Elsa stand apart from other Disney princesses, this is actually what makes her a truly remarkable Disney heroine.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
My impression of the song “Let It Go” is that it is a cathartic expression of Elsa recognizing that which makes her unique: her role as the Snow Queen. Ever since she was a child, Elsa has been told to conceal her gift for creating winter because her power accidently brought harm to her sister, Anna. As time passes and her magic grows stronger, Elsa’s frigid demeanor creates a wall around the beautiful queen that forces her into a life of painful solitude. In truth though, this attitude is a mask that hides the deeply rooted fear that Elsa is feeling; a fear that is manifested by her compulsive desire to always wear her gloves and isolate herself from those around her – especially Anna.
The song “Let it Go” illustrates Elsa literally and metaphorically letting go of her fears and insecurities and accepting her true identity as the Snow Queen by embracing her power without being consumed by it.
As Elsa removes each layer of her “armor”, the audience witnesses a dramatic transformation in Elsa; a change that is reflected both physically and emotionally. Up until this moment, Elsa has regarded her power as malevolent entity that must be hidden deep inside of her. When she removes her gloves, this act symbolizes Elsa’s willingness break the shackles of fear that have held her captive for so long and embrace her magic rather than hide from it. Ultimately, Elsa’s metamorphosis symbolizes her willingness to cast aside the expectations of those around her and find happiness on her own terms by truly embracing her new identity as the Snow Queen. I find this song to be not only beautiful and deeply emotional but also an inspiring homage to a truly unique Disney heroine because it illustrates Elsa’s ability to be herself and not conform to the expectations of those around her.
I could be wrong, but I think the problem that many people have with this song is that it illustrates a Disney princess archetype that differs from the established code set by its predecessors. Most Disney princesses are a unique variation of the same formula: they are the pretty girl who dreams of finding love, marrying the prince and living happily ever after. Queen Elsa does not follow this pattern. First of all, she is probably one of the only Disney heroines to hold the title of Queen instead of Princess. While she is pretty, Elsa doesn’t fall in love with the handsome prince to find her happy ending. Instead, she finds happiness on her own terms. She is a strong, independent woman who learns that she can fight her own battles without falling into the cliché of being the damsel in distress. While all of these elements make Elsa stand apart from other Disney princesses, this is actually what makes her a truly remarkable Disney heroine.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.