In the book "Wicked" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the protagonist reflects on a comment made by someone, expressing a desire to be compared to a more empowered character instead of resembling Ariel from "The Little Mermaid." The protagonist criticizes Ariel for sacrificing her voice for love, which she perceives as an act of foolishness, indicating a wish for stronger representation in romantic narratives. This moment highlights the protagonist's awareness of gender dynamics in stories and her frustration with characters who compromise their identities for relationships. It emphasizes a longing for more compelling and autonomous role models in literature, addressing themes of self-worth and the complexity of love.

In the book "Wicked" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the protagonist reflects on a comment made by someone, expressing a desire to be compared to a more empowered character instead of resembling Ariel from "The Little Mermaid." The protagonist criticizes Ariel for sacrificing her voice for love, which she perceives as an act of foolishness, indicating a wish for stronger representation in romantic narratives.

This moment highlights the protagonist's awareness of gender dynamics in stories and her frustration with characters who compromise their identities for relationships. It emphasizes a longing for more compelling and autonomous role models in literature, addressing themes of self-worth and the complexity of love.