Beauty and the Beast

Warwick_Goble_Beauty_and_Beast

Poucitelni_Magazin_1_-_1787_-_start_of_chapter_Beauty_and_the_Beast

Error creating thumbnail:

PetrusGonsalvus

Error creating thumbnail:

Speaker_Icon

Beauty and the Beast is a traditional fairy tale that has been adapted into various media over the years. The story is thought to have originated in France and has been retold in numerous cultures worldwide. The tale centers around the themes of love, transformation, and the inner beauty of individuals.

Plot Summary

The story of Beauty and the Beast follows a young woman named Beauty, who is the daughter of a merchant. When her father stumbles upon a mysterious castle and picks a rose for Beauty, he incurs the wrath of the Beast, the castle's owner. To save her father, Beauty offers to take his place as the Beast's prisoner.

Over time, Beauty and the Beast develop a deep bond. Despite his fearsome appearance, Beauty comes to see the kindness and gentleness within the Beast. Eventually, Beauty's love for the Beast breaks a curse, transforming him back into a handsome prince.

Origins and History

The earliest known version of Beauty and the Beast was written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740. A more popular and abridged version was later written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. The tale has since been adapted into various forms, including literature, theatre, film, and television.

Adaptations

Beauty and the Beast has been adapted into numerous films and television series. Some of the most notable adaptations include:

• The 1946 French film La Belle et la Bête directed by Jean Cocteau.
• The 1991 animated film by Walt Disney Animation Studios, which was later adapted into a Broadway musical.
• The 2017 live-action film adaptation by Walt Disney Pictures.

Themes

The central themes of Beauty and the Beast include:

• **Inner Beauty**: The story emphasizes the importance of inner beauty over outward appearances.
• **Transformation**: Both physical and emotional transformations are key elements of the tale.
• **Love and Sacrifice**: The narrative explores the power of love and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for those they care about.

Related Pages

• Fairy tale
• Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
• Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
• Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Beauty and the Beast (1991 film)
• Beauty and the Beast (2017 film)
• Beauty and the Beast (musical)

See Also

• Cinderella
• Snow White
• The Little Mermaid