Coraline Review ⭐

Having received several awards as well as appreciation from fans across the world, Coraline is one of Neil Gaiman’s most popular works. It is a children’s story that is loved by people of all ages. In the novella, Coraline Jones, a young girl chances upon a mysterious corridor in her house that leads to a parallel universe. She discovers that the parallel universe is very similar to her own. However, she soon finds the parallel universe creepy and returns to her house only to find her parents missing. Coraline discovers that her parents have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and she realizes that it is up to her to rescue her parents. 

Coraline as a Role Model for Children 

When Neil Gaiman first wrote the story, Coraline, he was determined to have a female protagonist. He wished for the story to bring forth a fresh perspective and act as inspiration to children across the world. Young Coraline Jones, therefore, is designed as a character for children to look up to. 

Coraline is bold and adventurous right from the beginning, and she has an extremely vivid imagination. She is not afraid to go exploring on her own and is pretty adroit at amusing herself. However, her life is dull, especially when her parents do not pay her any attention. This is why at the beginning of the novella, Coraline wishes for a better life, full of adventure and color. 

Unlike the wishes of any other child in the world, Coraline’s wishes come true in the form of the Other Mother and the parallel universe. However, Coraline soon realizes that the grass is not always greener on the other side. She begins to long for her old life back and recognizes the importance of appreciating what she has. She begins to feel a deep love and connection towards her parents and is determined to restore her family and make it whole once again. 

As such, Coraline sets off to rescue her parents from the clutches of the Other Mother. She undergoes many trials in the parallel universe all of which help her to grow as a person. Her parents’ advice proves to be her guiding light in many situations. For instance, she remembers what her father had told her about bravery, and decides to be brave like him. This is what keeps her going even in the face of danger and fear. 

Several things happen along Coraline’s journey, all of which help her progress in some way or the other. For example, she meets the souls of the three ghost children and feels empathy and compassion towards them, so much so that she decides to set them free as well. She sticks to her guns despite the dire warnings of the ghost children and is confident in her abilities to outwit the Other Mother.

Coraline is quick-witted and clever, and she is capable of thinking on her feet in tough situations. She comes up with a swift and ingenious plan to escape from the Other Mother while also rescuing her parents and the ghost children. Though she is frightened every step of the way, her courage and self-confidence allow her to emerge victorious in the end.

That being said, Coraline is not painted as a “perfect” character in the novel. She has her flaws of her own. For instance, Coraline is shown in many vulnerable situations, with doubts and fears at every stage. This is especially seen when the Other Mother tries to convince her that her real parents do not love her anymore. The beldam shows Coraline an image of her parents feeling relieved to finally be rid of their daughter. Coraline has a nagging doubt that this might have been true and almost believes the false image conjured up by the Other Mother. However, she ultimately remembers that her parents love her and want her as their daughter.

Coraline is also shown as a compassionate character. Although she seems a little disgruntled and resentful towards her parents for neglecting her, she still loves them deeply and would go to any lengths to rescue them. Gaiman shows that Coraline can be compassionate towards her enemies as well. When Coraline is trapped alone with the Other Father, she discovers that the Other Father is being controlled by the Other Mother and feels sorry for the creature. She encourages him to stand up to the Other Mother and tells him that he can lead an independent life. At this moment, we are shown how Coraline can put aside her own sentiments and help others in need.

Coraline is also a morally virtuous young girl. She never thinks about cheating her way out of the other world and is determined to win the game fair and square. She even calls the Other Mother out on her unjust methods during the game, telling her to “play fair.” Ultimately, Coraline puts all of her skills, values, and morals on the line and ends up defeating the Other Mother. Thus, with great difficulty and tremendous perseverance, she accomplishes her goal.

This is why the character of Coraline Jones is deemed to be an incredible role model for young children (especially girls) across the world. She is highly relatable which makes it easy for children to picture themselves in her shoes. At the same time, she undergoes enormous growth and development, which acts as an inspiration to any child who reads the novella.

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