Collaborative - Journal 1 (9-21-11)
Beauty and the Beast
Authors: Nick, Dungdow, Lukas, Janell
A.Darkness of Man
In Beaumont’s Beauty and the Beast there are many significant symbols and lessons that the story
presents to a younger audience and in some cases a mature audience. One of the key features that stood
out to me the most was the symbol of the beast himself on the outside. When I read the story in multiple
versions the form of the beast had taken on many different animals such as boars, ogres, lions, dragons,
bats, and bears. At first, I merely thought this as a common trait of changing the animals to fit the
personality of the prince, but it was years later after careful examination that the beast represents
humanity’s arrogance, greed, and anything that is dark about each individual. In the story, the beast
describes himself as,”…in addition to being ugly, I also lack intelligence. I know very well that I am
nothing but a beast.” One of the characteristics of humanity is lacking the intelligence of normal lives and
peace with both the world and with their inner spirit. Another description states that the beast wishes to
watch Beauty dine on her food, as an indication for the lust that all men have for women in life. Even
though the story explicitly states the features of the dark side of man the story also shows the good in
man. Beauty explains to the beast that, “you can’t be a beast…if you know that you lack intelligence. A
fool never knows that he is stupid.” An indication is that man is not only evil on the inside but can also
has love buried deep within their soul and spirit.
B. Making children believe that they can make a significant change in life:
Beauty and the Beast inspires children to believe that they can change people's personalities; everyone
can change no matter how bad he or she is.
It's just that sometimes that person may not change unless someone pushes that person from behind. That
is exactly what Beauty did. During her stay in the Beast's castle, she became that "someone" who slowly
changed Beast's behavior. On The Classic Fairy Tales page 38, Beauty showed her gratitude for Beast'
kindness. "...I am completely pleased with your good heart. When I think of it, you no longer seem ugly
to me."
E. Entertaining a child and holding his/her attention:
Personally, I believe that Beaumont’s Beauty and the Beast definitely captures the attention of children.
Immediately, Beaumont introduces audiences to the good characters and the bad characters (32). At this
point, children should be quite attentive since it foreshadows conflict. Then, Beaumont implements an
obstacle- the family’s fortune has suddenly dissolved (32-33). In doing so, children should be entertained
enough to continue reading for a resolution. Then Beaumont introduces Beast, which should grab the
readers’ attention since he is a monstrous figure (35). As a result, this aspect of the story enables it to
entertain a wider range of audiences- from young girls to young boys. Overall, Beaumont’s Beauty and
the Beast is executed creatively enough to entertain children and capture their attention; due to its
versatile characters, conflict, and surprising conclusion.
F. Stimulating a child's imagination:
Much of what a child dreams of being when they grow up is influenced by what he/she hears or sees. In
Beaumont's Beauty and the Beast, the possibilities of earning riches and living in something as mystical
as a castle creates vivid images for children. When Beauty went back home to visit her family, and a
"huge trunk full of silk dresses embroidered with gold and encrusted with diamonds" (39) appeared in the
house, such descriptive details immediately spark a young girl's imagination, especially with the
influences of the Disney princess costumes. And what child would not compare the spectacular shows in
Disneyland when Beaumont describes the rejoicement at the castle with "fireworks and music alike
signal[ing] a celebration" as the "castle became radiant with light" (41) at Beauty's proclamation of love
for the Beast? All of the descriptive words allow children to imagine the story playing out in their minds
based on what they have already seen in real life or what they have heard being described.
H. Recognizing a child's difficulty and suggesting solutions, suggesstions in symbolic form about how he
may deal with these issues and grow safely into maturity:
Beauty encountered many difficulties as she grew with two of her mean sisters and when she departed
from her family to live secluded in the castle. Despite all that, Beauty was still who she was. On The
Classic Fairy Tales page 33, it shows how Beauty helped out the family during harsh time: she woke up
at four every day, prepared breakfast for the family, and cleaned the house. On page 36, Beauty showed
her courage and love for her father, "I am prepared to risk all his (Beast) fury. I feel fortunate to be able to
sacrifice myself for him (father)...."
I. Providing a moral education:
In Beaumont's Beauty and the Beast, he strongly illustrates the concept of accepting a person solely based
on virtue. In today’s society, media has portrayed beauty as a specific physical appearance. Beaumont
portrays Beauty as an intelligent and kind-hearted young woman, whereas Beaumont portrays her two
older sisters as conceited, envious and selfish (32). Eventually, Beauty falls deeply in love with Beast
after discovering his kind and loving personality (42). Overall, this Beaumont’s version of Beauty and the
Beast definitely provides audiences with a moral education. Because Beauty is an intelligent and kindhearted young woman, all she encountered admired her. In the end, the grand fairy rewarded Beauty for
her patience and acceptance of Beast by granting her the position of a noble queen, announcing that
Beauty “…preferred virtue to looks and intelligence…” (41-42); which provides the moral value that
beauty is skin deep.
Work Cited:
De Beaumont, Jeanne-Marie Le Prince. "Beauty and the Beast." The Classic Fairy Tales. Ed. Maria
Tatar. New York: Norton, 1999. 32- 42.Print.