Group Theory Presentation

Darlie Leung | Braxton Simon

 Brief Synopsis

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek, whose
precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of annoying fairy tale
characters. They were all banished from their kingdom by the evil Lord Farquaad.
Determined to save their home -- not to mention his -- Shrek cuts a deal with
Farquaad and sets out to rescue Princess Fiona to be Farquaad's bride. Rescuing
the Princess may be small compared to her deep, dark secret.
Introduction:

Objective:
We are going to analyze 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. We think analyzing Shrek & Donkey’s relationship progression will improve
interpersonal relationships and increase efficiency in utilizing these communication
theories.
Thesis:

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.
Brief overview

Uncertainty Reduction Theory:

Behaviors that help reduce the uncertainty of a new

situation or relationship.

Social Exchange Theory:

Viewing the Pro’s(Rewards) and Con’s(Risks) of a

relationship and deciding whether to invest more into it or
not. Cost-benefit analysis.
First Meeting - Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Shrek: Retrieving information

Pro: “Why are you following me?!”

Con: Hostility

Donkey: Getting on Shrek’s good side

Pro: Compliments

Con: Too Pushy Location: Outside Swamp

Shrek: Hostile, just wants to be alone
Donkey: Alone, just wants to be with someone/home
First Meeting - Social Exchange Theory
Shrek: Donkey:

Pro’s - Guide to Duloc to Pro’s - A Friend,

get swamp cleared. Shelter/protector

Con’s - Won’t be alone, Con’s - Continual

that’s all he wants. Ridicule/Hostility
Location: Outside Swamp
Energy towards
Shrek: Hostile, just wants relationship.
to be alone
Donkey: Alone, just wants
to be with someone/home
Traveling - Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Donkey: Asks if he can sing

Pro: He can express himself

Con: no peace and quiet

Shrek: Says Donkey can hum

Pro: no singing
Con: Donkey is still making noise
Location: Outskirts of the swamp
Shrek and Donkey are leaving the swamp.
Donkey starts singing, but Shrek doesn’t like it
They compromised and in the end Donkey was able
To hum while on their way to the kingdom
Traveling - Social Exchange Theory
“NO! Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers.. You get it? We both have layers.”

Shrek: Donkey:

Pro’s - Non Judgment for being Pro’s - Less aggression,

an Ogre, A real Friend, more connection

Con’s - Still not alone Con’s - Temporary?

Location: Sunflower Field

Shrek opens up
about his hostility
Outcome - Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Shrek: Opens up about his discrimination as an ogre

Pro: Lets out frustration

Con: Becomes more vulnerable

Donkey: Listens to Shrek

Pro: acquires information

Con: Donkey is not giving back Location: Base camp of the first night after rescue

information
Outcome - Social Exchange Theory
Shrek: Donkey:

Pro’s - Socially accepted, Pro’s - A place to

Friendship satisfaction, A belong, a friend to
family of his own have

Con’s - Never alone Con’s - Continual Location: Happily Ever After

Maintenance of Shrek and Donkey are
Relationship friends and develop a
relationship close to family.
Connections/Applications
Even as a child one can see the obvious main lesson of
the story—don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because
Shrek is an ogre, it doesn’t mean he’s dangerous or evil.
As the movie progresses we learn that Shrek is kind,
loving and forgiving. We also cannot judge Fiona for
being a beautiful princess, for she has been through hell
and back and still manages to stay strong. Friendship
means forgiving one another, which is another major
lesson to be learned
Conclusion:
Shrek uses the Uncertainty
Reduction Theory and the
Social Exchange Theory.

As each example has

previously has shown. Each
theory was relevant
throughout the whole film.
Questions?
Thank you!
References:
“Shrek.” Dreamworks, 2014.
https://www.hercampus.com/school/uga/6-reasons-
why-shrek-greatest-movie-all-time