Scene 1: Conflict

The setting is Justina and her family's home in Houston, Texas. The mood is very tense, and many conflicts arise.

King Triton: I am very protective of all of my daughters, especially Ariel. I fear that her curiousity of humans may get her killed. She is my youngest one.

Ariel: Despite his strength, power, and honor, my father has a terrible temper. When he gets angry, tremors shake the background. I know he means well, but sometimes his anger gets the best of him--and rationality comes second.

Justina's Dad: I am protective of all my children, especially Justina because she is my oldest and my only daughter. Girls have more to fear and are more vulnerable than boys.

Justina: As I was nearing my teens, I noticed that my dad started using force and the "iron fist" to get his way. It is his way or no way. Thus, we have more fights and conflicts, which is making our relationship slowly dissipate. He is so overprotective.

King Triton: When I found out about Ariel's secret cave from Sebastian, my crab advisor, I was furious. I couldn't believe that she was going behind my back to the surface. Does she not know how dangerous that is? She could have been killed!

Ariel: When my father suprised me as I was in my secret cave, I tried explaining to him all the human objects I've been collecting. But he wouldn't give me two seconds of his time. He started yelling at me and lecturing me about how dangerous humans were. I will never forget that night---with his trident, he destroyed everything--all my dreams, hopes, secrets, desires. The one things I had for myself was taken away from me.

Justina's Dad: I grew up in a militaristic family. I lost my father to the Vietnam War; so, for most of my life, I lacked a father figure. Therefore, I've been compensating for that. I was very Americanized growing up, but I want my children to have values and know where they come from---and sometimes that means using force.

Justina: It is hard for my dad to talk things out and really show his feelings. I think he wants to stay strong by hiding them. I really wish that he tries to connect with me on another leve; we would've had a great relationship all that time. I honestly don't think he tries hard enough to understand me. His way of disciplining me did go against what he truly believes (and I only know that now).

Scene 2: Realization

The setting is the same as in Scene 1. Here, the mood begins to lighten up as Justina's realization occurs.

King Triton: I know what I did was harsh; I even talked to Sebastian about it. But I had to get my point across. I only have the best intentions for my daughter.

Ariel: That was the last straw. I couldn't be under his watch anymore. There was a bigger world out there, too big for me to stay trapped under the sea. I needed to leave, and I knew someone who could get me there...

Justina's Dad: Everything I do is for my children; I love them very much. I have worked so hard to give them a good life. I know what is best for them, and since I am supporting them via money, food, shelter, etc., then they need to do what I say.

Justina: I know what my parents did and still do is for their children. But, it goes beyond financially supporting us. I feel trapped all the time, and I am not rebellious enough to leave home or do something too drastic. I feel that my only way out is to go away to college. I definitely cannot live at home if I am to keep my sanity. I know that that could be my only way out to freedom. I am suffocating.

Frustrated and tired of the conflicts and troubles brewing at home, Justina could only look to the future: college. This means toughening up for the rest of high school and concentrating on getting into her college of choice.

Go on to Act III: Freedom

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King Triton and Ariel (top of page) image accredited to Mindflare

King Triton and Ariel image accredited to Sharebook

Ariel image accredited to Chebucto