There’s nothing like a Disney movie to teach us a valuable lesson. The Lion King, for example, teaches us the importance of responsibility, leadership, and courage. But there’s also a subtle lesson in the film – maturity is essential for effective communication.
We first see this at the beginning of the movie when Simba tries to communicate with Mufasa about his impending death. Simba, still a cub, is eager to show his father that he’s ready to be king, even though he doesn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation. Mufasa, on the other hand, is patient and understanding, but firm in his response.
Mufasa: “Simba, I’m only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.”
Simba: “But you’re not scared of anything.”
Mufasa: “I was today.”
Simba: “You were?”
Mufasa: “Yes. I thought I might lose you.”
This conversation shows us that effective communication is not just about speaking, but also about listening and understanding. Mufasa is able to communicate his fears to Simba in a way that Simba can understand, which brings them closer together.
Later in the film, we see how a lack of maturity can lead to miscommunication. Scar, Simba’s uncle, has a twisted plan to take over the Pride Lands, and he tries to manipulate young Simba into thinking that he’s responsible for Mufasa’s death.
Scar: “Simba, let me tell you something that my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.”
Here, Scar is using emotional manipulation to try and win Simba’s trust. He knows that Simba is grieving and vulnerable, so he takes advantage of that to try and gain power.
But it’s not just Scar who miscommunicates – Simba also has trouble communicating with Nala, his childhood friend and love interest. When they reunite as adults, Simba is still a bit immature, and he rebuffs Nala’s attempts to make him see the truth about what’s happening in the Pride Lands.
Nala: “Simba, you have to come back!”
Simba: “What? What are you talking about?”
Nala: “Your father’s dead.”
Simba: “What?”
Nala: “And it’s your fault.”
Simba: “What? Why?”
Nala: “It doesn’t matter. You’re the king.”
Simba: “I can’t go back. I don’t know how to be what you want me to be.”
Nala: “I know what you must do. You must take your place in the Circle of Life.”
Simba: “How can I go back? I’m not who I used to be.”
Nala: “Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are.”
Simba’s immaturity causes him to push Nala away and avoid responsibility. He’s afraid of facing his past and the mistakes he’s made, so he shuts down emotionally. But Nala’s words eventually get through to him, and he realizes that he needs to grow up and take on his responsibilities as king.
Simba: “I know what I have to do. But going back means I’ll have to face my past. I’ve been running from it for so long.”
Rafiki: “Oh, what was that for?”
Simba: “It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past.”
Rafiki: “Oh, the past. Ha-ha. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or… learn from it.”
The character of Rafiki, the wise old monkey, also teaches Simba the importance of maturity and accepting one’s past. Rafiki shows him that he can’t run from his responsibilities forever, and that he needs to face his fears and learn from his mistakes.
In conclusion, The Lion King is a great example of how maturity is essential for effective communication. Through the characters of Mufasa, Scar, Nala, Simba, and Rafiki, we see how a lack of maturity can lead to miscommunication and emotional manipulation, but also how maturity can bring people closer together and help them understand each other on a deeper level. So next time you watch The Lion King, remember this lesson and apply it to your own life.
The Lion King teaches us about responsibility, leadership, and courage. But it also shows how maturity is essential for effective communication, as demonstrated by the characters’ experiences.
“Hakuna Matata! It means no worries, for the rest of your days.” – Timon and Pumbaa, The Lion King.