Virtues
Virtues are a major part of the formation and plot behind the story Beauty and the Beast, with the internal virtues possessed by both Beauty as well as the Beast being integral in order to
transfer the moral messages of the tale across to readers. In the standard versions of this tale Beauty is regarded as "compassionate, kind and considerate" (Zipes, 1994, p. 40). It is because of these virtues and traits along with the determination which she possesses that allows her to become the
heroine figure. The climax of the story also presents yet another virtue of Beauty, with her integrity being tested as she must decided whether to return to the Beast as she promised she would, or stay with her family. Although her thoughts are confused and often sway between the decision, her final decision to save the Beast whom she has grown to love proves her worth as a honest and loving girl.
Another element of virtue is seen through the Beast and Beauty's love for the Beast. The Beast's characteristics of gentleness and provision towards Beauty shows an underlying caring and loving aspect of the creature as the message is helped put across the readers that a "creature must be loved before it becomes lovable" (Bettelheim, 2010). As the Beast does not possess the physical beauty, he must rely on his personality to make Beauty fall in love with him, which he indeed succeeds in. From this love, the moral of the story is witnessed, as Beauty shows the ability to look beneath the surface and love what is on the inside of her Beast rather than place all importance on looks. In other words 'it's what's on the inside that counts', the underlying moral of the tale which has survived throughout the story's evolution.
transfer the moral messages of the tale across to readers. In the standard versions of this tale Beauty is regarded as "compassionate, kind and considerate" (Zipes, 1994, p. 40). It is because of these virtues and traits along with the determination which she possesses that allows her to become the
heroine figure. The climax of the story also presents yet another virtue of Beauty, with her integrity being tested as she must decided whether to return to the Beast as she promised she would, or stay with her family. Although her thoughts are confused and often sway between the decision, her final decision to save the Beast whom she has grown to love proves her worth as a honest and loving girl.
Another element of virtue is seen through the Beast and Beauty's love for the Beast. The Beast's characteristics of gentleness and provision towards Beauty shows an underlying caring and loving aspect of the creature as the message is helped put across the readers that a "creature must be loved before it becomes lovable" (Bettelheim, 2010). As the Beast does not possess the physical beauty, he must rely on his personality to make Beauty fall in love with him, which he indeed succeeds in. From this love, the moral of the story is witnessed, as Beauty shows the ability to look beneath the surface and love what is on the inside of her Beast rather than place all importance on looks. In other words 'it's what's on the inside that counts', the underlying moral of the tale which has survived throughout the story's evolution.
List of Themes
Appearance
Abandonment Choice Honesty Trust Power Feminism Male Authority Love |
Jealousy
Magic Family Integrity Knowledge Honour Growth Sexual Relationships |