the little mermaid is the landmark that walt disney has broken away from the first downturn. this cartoon, which combined opera closely to dance, gained popularity through the innocent and lovely image. this article analyses the cre- ation process of alan menken and howard ashman, who are the chief creators of this film and concluded the key factors of the great masterpiece.

《小美人鱼》是迪斯尼动画从第一次创作的低谷中振兴起来的标志。这部与歌舞结合的十分紧密的动画,以其纯真、可爱的形象赢得了广大观众的喜爱。本文从主创人员艾伦·门肯、霍华德·艾许曼的创作过程入手,分析了这部杰作得以产生的关键性因素。