Beauty and the Beast: A Fairytale Analysis - New Perspectives

WRITTEN BY - PAROMITA RAY | EDITED BY - ATRI DAS

"If she is the one who will break the spell, you must finally learn to love"

The tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has been a part of our growing up which makes us nostalgic. It is a beautiful depiction of the value of inner beauty against the materialistic and shallow exterior.

A QUICK RECAP

Beauty and the Beast is a classic fairy tale about love, transformation, and seeing beyond appearances. The story follows a kind and intelligent young woman named Beauty who volunteers to live in a mysterious castle to save her father’s life after he unknowingly angers a fearsome Beast who lives there. Though terrified at first, Beauty gradually discovers that the Beast is gentle, lonely, and deeply caring beneath his frightening exterior.

As they spend time together, Beauty begins to appreciate his kindness, wisdom, and sincerity. The Beast, in turn, learns to love selflessly and let go of his bitterness. Eventually, Beauty realizes she cares for him deeply. When she returns to him after a brief visit home and confesses her love, the spell placed on the Beast is broken. He transforms back into a prince, revealing that he had been cursed for his arrogance and could only be saved if someone truly loved him for who he was inside.

The tale teaches timeless lessons about compassion, inner beauty, emotional growth, and the power of genuine love to transform hearts.

Beyond the Magic: A Psychological Analysis of Beauty and the Beast

1. The Anatomy of Narcissism

The story serves as a dual study of narcissism, showing both its consequences and its unchecked reality in society.

• The Prince’s Fall: The story begins with a prince consumed by vanity. His transformation into a beast is a literal manifestation of his internal ugliness after he judges an enchantress solely on her outward appearance.

• Gaston as the Modern Narcissist: Unlike the Beast, who seeks redemption, Gaston remains trapped in his ego.

  • Entitlement: He views Belle as a trophy, famously stating, "Every girl in town would love to be in your shoes."

  • Historical Parallel: This brand of charismatic but destructive leadership mirrors figures like Adolf Hitler, proving that narcissism is a real-world danger that leads to widespread harm.

    
    

2. The Fear of the "Other"

A recurring theme is the village’s refusal to accept anyone who deviates from the norm. This social commentary reflects the root causes of modern bullying and prejudice.

• The Devaluation of Intellect: Belle is ostracized simply for her love of reading and her desire for "more than this provincial life."

• The Weaponization of Mental Health: Maurice is cruelly labeled "mad" and threatened with institutionalization because his inventions and stories don't fit the villagers' narrow worldview.

• Superficial Judgment: The townspeople celebrate Gaston’s physical "perfection" while ignoring his malice, yet they immediately demonize the Beast and Belle's family for being different.

  
  

3. The True "Beast" of the Tale

The narrative forces the audience to question where true monstrosity resides. While the Beast looks fearsome, his actions eventually turn toward gentleness. In contrast, Gaston's actions are purely malicious:

• Manipulation: He attempts to blackmail Belle into marriage by threatening her father’s freedom.

• Violence: He incites a mob to "kill the beast" not out of a sense of justice, but out of jealousy and a need to eliminate a rival.

• Lack of Conscience: Locking Belle and Maurice in a cellar demonstrates that his "love" is actually a desire for control.

4. Expressions of Love and Humanity

In contrast to the darkness of the village, the enchanted castle is filled with authentic emotional connections and selflessness.

• The Household Staff: Despite being turned into inanimate objects, the servants retain their humanity. They show radical hospitality to strangers and remain loyal to the Beast, seeing the kindness hidden beneath his fur.

• Familial Sacrifice: The bond between Belle and Maurice is defined by mutual protection; both are willing to sacrifice their own liberty for the sake of the other.

• The Beast’s Growth: The ultimate proof of the Beast’s transformation is his decision to let Belle go. He chooses her happiness over his own chance at becoming human again-the literal opposite of narcissism.

Conclusion: The Value of Inner Beauty

The core message of the tale remains timeless: true beauty is a cultivated virtue, not a physical trait. * Belle falls in love with the Beast during simple, kind moments-like watching him feed the birds.

• It is this recognition of his inner soul that ultimately breaks the spell, proving that kindness and humility are the only forces capable of releasing us from our "shackles."

NOW YOU KNOW:

Just as every other fairytale, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ celebrates the triumph of good over evil. What is noteworthy, however, is that every individual is made of both and it is only through our understanding and appreciation of true beauty that we overcome our shortcomings and embrace our innate goodness. It is, therefore, not a tale of Belle and the Beast but rather a tale of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. It is not only a piece of story but also a reminder that selfless intentions always magnifies love and respect.

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