Grown

Early in the novel, Enchanted talks about how integral Disney movies are to her family and identity. Jackson alludes to these Disney classics often in the context of Enchanted’s relationships, and in doing so reveals the impact these fairytales have had on shaping Enchanted’s view of the world. Even Enchanted’s name is a nod to these stories of magic and romance. When her father reminds her that there is no time for singing lessons, she comments that “Ariel’s father didn’t let her do anything either” (50), referring to The Little Mermaid. Enchanted also likens herself to a mermaid, and like Ariel, she longs to be a part of another world: the music industry. Just like Ariel’s father forbids her from spending time close to the dangerous human world above the sea, Enchanted’s parents limit her time spent pursuing a singing career.

Enchanted views her relationship with Korey through a fairytale lens. They record themselves singing “Tale As Old As Time” from Beauty and the Beast, which hints towards the true nature of their relationship. Like the Beast, Korey has what Enchanted refers to as a “dark side,” and like the fairytale, Enchanted convinces herself that “if [she loves] him hard enough, maybe, just maybe, [she] can keep the dark side away” (192).