Finding Nemo and The Loss of Innocence Cycle

Finding Nemo and The Loss of Innocence CycleBy Rob Paslaski

The Cast

Learner: NemoThe Stern Parent: GillThe Nurturer: MarlinThe Mentor/Guide: Bloat, Peach, Bubbles, Deb/Flo, Jacques, Nigel and GurgleThe Shadow/Dark Side: DarlaThe Trickster/Shape-shifter: Dori

Learner

Nemo is the learner in this film. In the very beginning, he is extremely innocent, as he has not yet been born. At this time, he loses his mother and the rest of his brothers and sisters due to an attack by a large fish. This leaves him alone with his father with a smaller fin. This fin leads to an event which separates him from his father, forcing him to leave his surroundings and endure many mental, emotional, and physical challenges in order to prove himself and return to his father.

Stern ParentThe stern parent in Finding Nemo is, without a doubt, Gill. Ever since they first met, Gill believed Nemo could achieve great things, therefore he had high expectations of him. An example of this was when Gill allowed Nemo to break their tanks cleaning system, despite how dangerous the task was. Furthermore, this event contributed to Nemos view of Gill as a harsh, uncaring individual when, in actuality, Gill had a strong emotional bond with Nemo. In the end, although it may not be clearly visable, Gill wishes the best for Nemo.

Nurturer

Marlin, Nemos father, is the nurturer. His overprotective nature exemplifies his strong, loving bond with Nemo. These characteristics eventually lead to a catastrophic moment, in which Nemo rebels from his overprotective father, swimming out into open sea, where he is captured by divers. Next, Marlins love for Nemo drives him to embark on a long journey across the ocean in order to retrieve his son and bring him back to their home in an anemone. This extensive adventure displaying Marlins determination to save his son takes up a majority of the film.

Mentor/Guide

Bloat, Peach, Bubbles, Deb/Flo, Jacques, Nigel and Gurgle act as Nemos mentors or guiding figures while he is in Syndey. These fish are incredibly friendly, supportive of Nemo, and immediately initiate him into their group. Additionally, Nigel helps both Nemo and Marlin by attempting to reunite them in Syndey after saving Marlin from a seagull ambush. In the end, these fish act as Nemos guides throughout the obstacles he overcomes in his new environment, away from his father.

Shadow/Dark SideDarla clearly embodies the shadow or dark side archetype. Her negative representation of an abusive fish owner shows flaws which we wish to remove from society as she acts as a major villain in the story merely through her threat of becoming Nemos new owner. This threat is a major conflict of the story, which almost leads Nemo and Marlin to be separated forever, and presumably would lead to Nemos death.

Trickster/Shape-shifterDori acts as the archetypal trickster or shape-shifter in Finding Nemo. In this film, the trickster, Dori, works for the learner by aiding his father, Marlin, in his journey to find and retrieve Nemo. However, Doris short term memory loss causes for much mischief and comedy throughout this adventure. For example, when she first meets Marlin and has him follow her, she quickly becomes scared and confused why a stranger is in her pursuit. In the end, she cares deeply for both Marlin and Nemo which is clearly shown through her persistence in helping Marlin find his son.

The Loss of Innocence Cycle

RebirthPerfect WorldShocking Experience/BetrayalWildernessDeath

Perfect WorldIn the beginning, Nemo, the learner, is in his perfect world. His mom and dad live peacefully, awaiting the birth of their children. At this point in time Nemo is at his absolute most innocent, completely comfortable in his current situation. Sadly, this part of the cycle does not last very long.

Shocking Experience/BetrayalNemos shocking experience occurs after he gets fed up with his fathers constant overprotective nature and swims out into the open water, purely in spite of his father, Marlin. In the open ocean, Nemo is captured by divers and brought to Syndey, Austrailia, forcing him out of his perfect world.

WildernessAfter being caught by the divers, Nemo is immediately brought into his wilderness, the world away from his home. This is a time of trials and hardship for Nemo as he tries to prove himself a strong swimmer and an independent fish. This is very chaotic time for Nemo at first, as he is very traumatized.

(sorry this is somehow the only picture of him stuck in the tube)

DeathSymbolically, Nemos death occurred when he crosses over the Ring of Fire in the fish tank. It is at this moment when he finally becomes brave enough to face the volcano, culminating his new knowledge from his recently encountered trials, allowing for him to emerge on the other side as an independent, brave fish who is the newest member of his tank.

RebirthNemos new psychological self allows for him to do multiple things. First, he is brave enough to try and succeed in attempting Gills plan once more, after he is inspired by hearing of his dads journey. This leads to his escape from the tank and his father finally trusting him to save Dori from the fishermen. This dangerous leap of faith shows that Marlin truly recognizes his sons newfound bravery and independence.