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Veronica Molina

Ms. Storer

ENG 3H, Block 4

January 24, 2020

A Desire for Wealth

The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” (Rolfe), has no worth when a society judges

one solely on their social status. The movie Aladdin, directed by Ron Clements and John

Musker, tells of Aladdin’s attempt to make his way up in society. Aladdin is a young, poor boy

in the city of Agrabah, a city where wealth determines one’s treatment. Due to Aladdin’s lack of

wealth, he is continuously disdained by the rich and hopes to one day be out of poverty. The

course of Aladdin’s life changes, however, when he finds the Genie and is granted three wishes.

In the movie Aladdin, Marxism is displayed as everyone, both lower and high class, strive to

gain more wealth and social capital in order to find happiness. However, as Aladdin and people

of the high class such as Jasmine and Jafar experience wealth, the film asserts that in order for a

person to truly prioritize spirituality over materialism, one must experience having wealth in

order to know that materialism does not provide the happiness people expect it too.

Throughout the film, Aladdin aspires to gain wealth one day in order to find happiness.

For instance, when Aladdin impedes the rich man’s path to save two children, the rich man yells

in anger at Aladdin, “you worthless street rat, you are born a street rat and you will die a street

rat” (Clements/ Musker 00:11:12-00:11:19). Aladdin’s face immediately turns to an angered

frown and he proceeds to chase the rich man after he is called a “street rat.” He wishes that those

in the upper class, would not judge him solely on his looks and social class. In the Marxist

theory, it tells of two social classes: those in power, the Bourgeoisie, and those who are the lower
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working class, the Proletariat. In this scene, the difference in classes is easily noticeable between

Aladdin and the rich man. There is clearly conflict between these two, since the rich man

undermines Aladdin’s human character. Aladdin knows that if he were rich, the rich man would

not talk to him in such a degrading way, making Aladdin wish for wealth. Thus, Aladdin longs to

achieve wealth, in order to feel happiness on being treated for who he is. Aladdin also tells of

how he will be rich one day. For example, as Aladdin looks at the immense white and gold

palace in the distance, he says to his pet monkey, Abu, “Someday, Abu, things are gonna change.

We’ll be rich, live in a palace and never have any problems at all” (Clements/ Musker 00:12:16-

00:12:24). Aladdin hopes that one day he will be wealthy enough, where money will solve all his

problems. Aladdin clearly reveals the dreams of many in the Proletariat class: to be rich and not

have to worry about day to day problems. He dreams of making his way up into the higher class

in society and to not be oppressed by the rich. Not only do individuals in the lower-class desire

wealth, but also those in higher classes.

Characters of the high class such as Jafar and Jasmine strive to experience happiness.

Jasmine is the princess and daughter of the Sultan in the city of Agrabah. She has everything in

the world that she possibly could want, except for one thing: happiness. Jasmine is so unhappy

with her life, that she decides to escape the palace and explore the markets in Agrabah. One day,

after encountering Aladdin in the market, she describes her life to him: “You’re not free to make

your own choices… Sometimes you feel so trapped” (Clements/ Musker 00:25:50-00:25:59).

Jasmine feels she is isolated in her palace and that she can never choose for herself. She is

extremely unhappy with her life and wishes that she could do what she desires. Though to many

it may seem like Jasmine has the ideal life, her feelings towards her wealth do not meet the

expectations that money brings happiness. Jafar is the Royal Vizier of the Sultan of Agrabah.
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Throughout the film, he constantly wishes to have the most power in Agrabah. However, his

Jafar also shows his desire for more power when he wishes to be an all-powerful Genie. As

Aladdin attempts to overthrow Jafar and his power, Aladdin shouts how Jafar is “just second

best,” as Genie has more power than him. Jafar realizes that Aladdin is right and immediately

seeks to change this. For example, Jafar shouts at Genie, “Slave, I make my third wish. I wish to

be an all-powerful Genie!” (Clements/ Musker 01:20:36-01:20:42). Jafar is so fed up in his

desire for riches, that he does the extreme in order to ultimately become the most powerful on

Earth, a Genie. This proves the Marxist theory because Jafar only seeks to benefit himself and to

gain more power, despite already being in the upper class. His character showcases how money

and the constant desire for power is the root to an evil lifestyle. The film also tells of how money

does not buy happiness through the experiences of certain characters.

The film asserts that wealth is not the root of true happiness, but rather one’s spirituality.

Despite coming from a poor background, Aladdin was able to experience wealth through the

three wishes Genie granted him. Aladdin enjoyed the wealth while it lasted, as he was able to

become a prince. However, Aladdin realized that his wealth, did not live up to his expectation.

For example, at the end of the film Aladdin says to Jasmine, “Jasmine I do love you, but I got to

stop pretending to be something I’m not.” Aladdin proceeds to say to Genie, “Genie, I wish for

your freedom” (Clements/ Musker 01:23:04-01:23:12). Throughout the movie, Genie always

dreamt of freedom since he was practically a slave to the wishes of those who came in

possession of him. Aladdin finally grants Genie’s wish when he realizes he was living a lie and

becoming something he is not. Aladdin realizes he can only reach true happiness by being his

true self and by being honest. He reveals his good character when he chooses to free Genie

instead of using the final wish for himself. Thus, Aladdin’s experiences with wealth proves how
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money is not the root of happiness and spirituality should be prioritized over materialism.

Aladdin also reveals his true

Through both classes, low and high class, wanting to obtain more riches, reveals how

Marxism is displayed throughout the movie. However, the film also asserts how materialism is

not the root of true happiness, placing an importance on spirituality over materialism. The

experiences of Aladdin, Jasmine and Jafar reveal how, though many individuals desire to be

wealthy and have power over their peers, money will never be the key to a true happy life.

Rather, one’s love for themselves and their constant desire to be the best version of themselves

will lead to a truly happy life.

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Works Cited

“'Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover': Phrase Definition, Origin, & Examples.” Ginger Pages,

www.gingersoftware.com/content/phrases/dont-judge-a-book-by-its-

cover/#.XisCTGhKjD4.

Clements, Ron and Musker, John, directors. Aladdin. Walt Disney Pictures, 1992.