The moral of the story in Coraline revolves around the importance of bravery, the value of family, and the dangers of escapism. At its core, it teaches the audience to appreciate what they have and to confront their fears rather than running away from them. Coraline’s journey illustrates that a seemingly perfect world can hide darker truths, and this serves as a reminder to cherish reality, with all its imperfections.
Regarding gender roles and femininity, Coraline presents a strong female protagonist who is curious, courageous, and resourceful. Unlike traditional portrayals where female characters may rely on others for rescue, Coraline actively navigates through challenges on her own. This display of agency reflects modern interpretations of femininity, encouraging young girls to be independent and resilient. The contrast between Coraline and the Other Mother further emphasizes gender roles—while the Other Mother is a distorted version of a nurturing figure, Coraline represents true strength, rejecting the superficial temptations presented to her and choosing to fight for her real family instead.