Braxton Simon

Group: Braxton & Darlie Leung

COMM 2050-401

11/19/2019

Group Theory Research Paper - Shrek

Group Theory Project - Shrek

By analyzing Shrek & Donkey’s relationship progression, while utilizing Uncertainty

Reduction Theory and Social Exchange Theory, in scenes from the Disney movie, Shrek-in

particular, Shrek & Donkey’s first meeting, the duo’s conversations as they travel, and the

outcome of their relationship-one can improve interpersonal relationships. Utilizing Uncertainty

Reduction Theory and Social Exchange Theory can improve interpersonal relationships,

especially ones where communication between the two individuals isn’t (at first) desirable.

However, this paper will focus on Social Exchange Theory.

The duo’s relationship starts off in the woods by Shrek’s Swamp. Donkey is on the run

and Shrek saves him from pillagers by being a fierce Ogre. What would deter some people is a

benefit to Donkey and so Donkey presses for a relationship with Shrek. As their relationship

grows, the pair constantly exchange Pro’s and Con’s or Risks and Rewards between their

friendship. In the end the Rewards outweigh the Risks and the two benefit from a friendship.

This is demonstrated in 3 phases. The first being the duo’s meeting, the second is the

progression of connection as they travel, and lastly the outcome or after the adventure. In the

beginning, Donkey is running away from pillagers. He is saved by the Ogre, Shrek. In this

moment Donkey gets the Pro’s that Shrek is protection. Shrek can keep him safe from the many

dangers that an animal faces. However rude the Ogre is to him, protection outweighs it. On the
other hand, Shrek find a bunch of fairy tale creatures in his Swamp, his home. Donkey offers to

take Shrek to the man who can exile the creatures someplace else. Shrek decides having the

company of one is better than a bunch of people living with him. So he decides to go with

Donkey.

The next phase is best demonstrated in the sunflower field. The duo before had only put

up with each other to get their immediate needs met. Shrek needed a guide and Donkey a

protector. As they traveled though, the two have conversed. Shrek opens up about his lonely

nature. He decided the world wouldn’t accept him because he was an Ogre, so he wouldn’t

accept them and enjoyed his isolation instead. Donkey was the first individual to not judge Shrek

as an Ogre but as an individual and this dynamic changed their relationship. Shrek seeks the

positives of having a possible friend and donkey sees someone who won’t abandon him. This

negative for both though is that their adventure has the purpose to end their relationship. Shrek

wants to be alone in his swamp. The duo decide to continue together despite that their

relationship may only be temporary.

Lastly, the adventure is over and the duo have obtained Shrek's swamp back. At this

point, the duo have exchanged so much positive association with another that they are friends.

The past desires of loneliness have been replaced by acceptance and friendship. Donkey doesn’t

need to be protected because the Pillagers aren’t after magical creatures anymore. The only con

remaining for them is the continual maintenance of a relationship, to which the Pros outweigh.

So the two flourish in a ‘happily ever after’.

In conclusion, even though an individual may only be in a temporary friendship to satisfy

immediate needs, those needs may change. By constantly evaluating the pros and cons of a
relationship, one can deepen interpersonal relationships. Despite having ‘layers’ people can

connect and grow a mutually beneficial interaction.

 Bibliography

“Shrek.” Dreamworks, 2014.