The mermaid, as a symbol of cursed femininity, is a creature which, in all its beauty and connection to the splendor of nature, is still lacking some intrinsic quality. This lack, whether it be of the soul, or human limbs, keeps it separate from becoming part of civilized human society. We see this in Undine’s story, which precedes Hans Christian Anderson’s “Little mermaid”, and highlights the central theme we’ve become familiar with, of the mermaid yearning for humanity or a soul: “such as we are, however, can only obtain a human soul by the closest union of affection with one of you human race (p.105)” Their earthly permanence is only secured by the love of a human, despite being “far superior to that of other human beings(p.105).” 

However, the difference between these two assigned readings, Undine and The Mermaid editorial, points to a cultural shift in the mermaid’s symbolism in popular culture. This cultural shift occurs in the West as the United States becomes an imperialistic force in the global south, and conversations of slavery and the subjugation of Black people in the southern states come into focus in the years prior to the Civil War. 

The mermaid transitions from a beautiful (white) creature into a monster reflecting the fears of Westward expansion. These Fae-like creatures (Melusine and Undine) were historically associated with eurocentric ideals of beauty and morality. The only quality that the beautiful and loyal Undine lacks is a soul, supplied by her husband’s love and admiration. However, the Freakshow mermaids and editorial recollections were framed not only by the novelty of entertainment but by the pitfalls of Social Darwinism; as a means to justify the subjugation and non-consensual viewing of black and othered female bodies:

“It was female, with ugly negro features. The skin was harsh, the ears very large, and the back parts and the tail were covered with scales(p.253)”

“It was therefore an Asiastic mermaid. The description is as follows: –Its face is like that of a young female– its eyes a fine light blue– its nose small and handsome– its mouth small– its lips thin, and the edges of them round like that of the codfish–its teeth are small, regular and white–its chin well shaped, and its neck full (p.253)

The sheer difference in these two descriptions make a stark comparison between the race of these two creatures. Barnum, in his attempt to comment on this growing fascination of the link between animals and humans, also comments on the prevalence of racial pseudoscience which is accepted as a norm in the scientific community. The 19th century mermaid becomes a vehicle to explore and support the supposed logic in scientific racism and the growing eugenicist movement that will define the century to come.