In Defense Of Anna. 

that’s who.  Audiences were instantly charmed by this adorable princess when the movie hit theaters in November. 

The one criticism I’ve heard about Anna is that she gets engaged to a guy she just met.  The movie clearly does not condone that.  It doesn’t want young women to emulate this behavior, so 

isn’t setting a bad example in that way.  She learns her lesson when Hans turns out to be a villain.

On top of that, I don’t think it diminishes Anna’s character that she made that mistake.  Anna was cooped up alone and ignored for years and years.  She was desperate for love, but not because she’s foolish and weak!  Anna is neither of those things.  Her situation set her up to crave attention and affection.  Then along comes this gorgeous, charming prince who seems perfect in every way and says he’s in love with her.  It makes perfect sense that she accepts his proposal.

Now that I’ve addressed the criticisms, let’s take a look at all the things that make Anna so lovable.

The biggest thing is her quirky, warm, lively personality.  Anna is bursting with life and enthusiasm.  This princess is often just plain awkward, and it’s so endearing.  She says what she’s thinking and sometimes looks silly because of it, but that’s why people love her.  She is so real and down-to-earth.  Anna isn’t an unattainable picture of poise and grace.  She’s a girl.  She’s completely herself at all times.

Anna’s upbeat nature is really remarkable when you consider all she’s been through.  She inexplicably lost her sister’s friendship when she was little.  I love that she doesn’t get bitter or angry at Elsa for neglecting her.  She continues to try and reach out to her.  She treats Elsa with love and kindness, even though she is feeling unloved herself.  Tragedy befalls the sisters when they are teenagers and lose both of their parents to a shipwreck.  Poor Anna has no one to comfort her, no support to lean on throughout this hard time.  She attends her parents’ funeral alone.  She surely feels incredibly abandoned.  Still, Anna tells Elsa that she’s there for her.  Anna is so strong.

She’s brave and daring too.  When she finds out about Elsa’s powers, she isn’t afraid.  Anna goes out alone to search for her sister.  It’s a long, difficult, freezing journey, but Anna takes on the challenge to help Elsa.

At the end of the movie she sacrifices her life to save Elsa.  And again, Anna has plenty of reasons she could be upset with Elsa.  The entire kingdom is frozen over and Anna is close to death because Elsa accidentally struck her with her powers.  But Anna cares for Elsa and gives up her life to protect her.  That’s love.  Anna’s  bravery, selflessness, and capacity for love are what save her, her sister, and the kingdom.  She’s a true hero.

Posted on Wednesday, January 1 2014. Tagged with: annafrozenfrozen spoilerselsahansDisneyTrue Lovelove storyheroineDisney Princessdisney moviethe snow queenhans christian andersenfairy taleprincessDisney charactersdefensecriticismanalysisrole modelsanimationsisters

frozenoverblackballoon reblogged this from disneyprincessdefender and added:

I have always been an avid Disney princess fan. Lately I\'ve been saddened to see so many criticisms and attacks toward the princesses. This blog is devoted to their defense.

This is also a feminist blog. Beyond Disney, it is dedicated to the defense and celebration of all women.

I also have a Harry Potter blog! http://whatscurious.tumblr.com/

(I won\'t be on Tumblr at all for lent season. Feel free to message me still, I\'ll reply as soon as I\'m back after Easter!)