Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast has been captivating audiences for over two decades. The timeless tale has gained a special place in the hearts of millions worldwide and has been retold countless times through various adaptations. The story of Belle, a young girl from a small village, and her unlikely romance with the cursed Beast has become a cultural icon that resonates with people of all ages.
One of the reasons Beauty and the Beast remains so popular is because it tells a powerful story with multiple themes. In this blog post, we will explore the three predominant themes in Beauty and the Beast and why they are so significant.
Theme 1: Love
The most prominent theme in Beauty and the Beast is undoubtedly love. The story centers around Belle and the Beast’s blossoming romance, which begins as a strained relationship but evolves into true love. Love is portrayed not only between Belle and the Beast, but also in Belle’s deep love for her father, Maurice.
At its core, Beauty and the Beast is a story about how love can break down barriers and transform people. The Beast, originally characterized as cruel and inhuman, learns to love and accept himself through Belle’s love. Belle, on the other hand, sees past the Beast’s appearance and personality to the kind-hearted prince inside.
Notably, the love story between Belle and the Beast is not the typical Disney romance. It is not based on physical attraction, but rather on emotions and deepening understanding between two characters from different worlds. In a world where romantic love is often portrayed as the ultimate achievement, Beauty and the Beast teaches us that love can come in many forms and can be just as powerful without the traditional trappings of a fairy tale romance.
Theme 2: Greed
Another significant theme in Beauty and the Beast is greed. The character of Gaston, the village hero and antagonist, exemplifies this theme. He is a selfish and arrogant man who is obsessed with Belle and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her affection.
Gaston’s greed is demonstrated through his relentless pursuit of Belle and his desire to kill the Beast, whom he sees as competition. His actions result in severe consequences, including the endangerment of Belle and the ultimate demise of the Beast.
Moreover, Beauty and the Beast showcases the dangers of greed beyond Gaston’s character, through the Beast’s transformation from a greedy, arrogant prince to a kind-hearted man who values love and compassion over wealth and status.
The theme of greed teaches us the importance of humility and empathy. In our world, where wealth and status are often equated to success, Beauty and the Beast reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment come from valuing people and relationships over material possessions.
Theme 3: “Don’t Judge a book by its cover”
The final theme in Beauty and the Beast is the age-old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The story teaches us that true beauty is more than skin-deep, and the appearance doesn’t define a person’s worth.
Initially, Belle views the Beast as a terrifying monster, and many of the villagers see him only as a beast. However, as the story progresses, Belle discovers the human side of the Beast and realizes that he is kind, compassionate, and intelligent.
Similarly, Maurice is initially seen as an eccentric inventor by the townsfolk and as a burden on Belle, but over time, she comes to appreciate his quirky personality and unwavering love for his daughter.
The theme of not judging people by their appearance is particularly relevant in the present-day where discrimination based on looks, race, gender, and sexual orientation exists. Beauty and the Beast reminds people to look beyond appearances and see the real person underneath the surface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beauty and the Beast is much more than just a fairy tale romance. It is a story that teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of true love, humility, and empathy, and not judging people based on their appearance. Beauty and the Beast’s appeal has remained uncorrupted, and that’s not changing anytime soon. It’s a timeless tale of love and transformation that will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
FAQ
What is the theme of the beast?
Henry James’ short story “The Beast in the Jungle” explores a number of different themes, but the most prominent, and arguably the central one, is the theme of fate and doom. Throughout the narrative, the main character, John Marcher, is plagued by a sense that something terrible is looming in his future; a beast that is waiting for him in the jungle, ready to pounce when he least expects it. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the beast is a metaphor for Marcher’s own mortality, but also for the sense that his life is fated to end in tragedy.
One of the ways that James explores this theme is through the use of imagery. The recurrent image of the beast lurking in the jungle is a powerful one, evoking a sense of danger and uncertainty at every turn. It also serves as a reminder that Marcher is not in control of his own destiny, but is instead at the mercy of forces beyond his comprehension. This is further reinforced by James’ use of language, which often has a fatalistic tone. For instance, Marcher is described as being “doomed” to a life of waiting and uncertainty, with little hope for a different outcome.
Another way that James explores the theme of fate and doom is through the relationship between Marcher and May Bartram. May is presented as a kind of counterpoint to Marcher; she is lively, vivacious, and full of life, whereas he is stilted, reserved, and consumed by his own fears. Their friendship develops over a period of years, and it becomes clear that May is in love with Marcher, even though he is unable to reciprocate her feelings. This creates a tension between the two characters that is tinged with sadness and regret. In a sense, May represents all of the things that Marcher will never have: love, happiness, and a full life. Her presence in his life makes it even more apparent that he is fated to a tragic end, a fact that is only confirmed at the story’s conclusion.
“The Beast in the Jungle” is a powerful exploration of the theme of fate and doom. By using imagery, language, and the relationship between two characters, James conveys the sense that our lives are not entirely within our control, and that we are all, in some sense, at the mercy of forces beyond our comprehension. At the same time, the story is a poignant reminder of the importance of living life fully, and of not letting fear and uncertainty hold us back from experiencing all that the world has to offer.