A Narrative Analysis of Brave

Brave is a Disney/Pixar film that was released in 2012 and quickly became popular due to a spunky ginger with a bow and a serious attitude. Merida (our spunky ginger) became the first female protagonist in any Pixar film and defied the traditional gender roles enforced by all other Disney princess. Despite what her mother wants, Merida does not need a prince charming to help rule her future kingdom, all she wants is to be in control of her own fate. All she wants is a normal life!

Using a narrative perspective to analyze this film, I will evaluate the coherence (how the story hangs together and how plausible is the sequence of events) and the fidelity (to what degree does the story ring true with what we regard as truthful) using the sequence of events that occur as well as evaluating characters and settings. Many events takes place take place in a proper order: Merida disputes her betrothal, defies her parents, argues with her mother, “accidentally” turns her mother into a bear, uses the remainder of the film to break the spell, and finally restores their relationship. The events in this magical world occur in chronological order, giving the story a consistent flow that presents a unified story.

Although the story takes place in Scotland, there are several smaller settings, such as: the castle, the courtyard, and the forest. Merida and her mother are essential characters to understanding the moral. Merida is young, energetic, hopeful, and unpredictable. Her mother, Elinor, represents responsibility. Merida’s role is empowering and influential for all younger genders. She refuses to take part in traditional values set by her culture and rebels against her family in order to stay true to her self. Her actions have a revolutionary impact on her community and because of her bravery; she is granted the freedom to determine her own destiny. Being in control of your own fate or destiny is important and because of this, Merida’s desire to control that is plausible and justifies her actions. Thus, the moral of the story is acceptable. Her rebellion is a reflection on the moral of the story, which is to take chances, be brave, and control your own destiny.