Clock And Candle From Beauty And The Beast
"Beauty and the Beast" is a classic fairy tale that has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies and TV shows. One of the most iconic elements of the story is the enchanted objects in the Beast's castle, particularly the clock and candle. These objects play a significant role in the story, not just as inanimate objects, but as characters that contribute to the plot and character development. In this article, we will explore the symbolism and importance of the clock and candle in "Beauty and the Beast."
The Enchanted Objects in "Beauty and the Beast"
In the original fairy tale, the enchanted objects in the Beast's castle are not specified, but the Disney animated film introduced the idea of anthropomorphic household items. These objects were once human servants of the castle who were cursed by an enchantress to become inanimate objects until the Beast learns to love and be loved in return. The enchanted objects include the clock, candelabra, teapot, teacup, wardrobe, and many others.
The Clock as a Symbol of Time
The clock in "Beauty and the Beast" is a significant object that symbolizes time. The clock is personified as Cogsworth, the Beast's loyal but uptight majordomo. Cogsworth is responsible for keeping time in the castle, and he takes his job very seriously. He is often seen scolding the other enchanted objects for being late or wasting time. Cogsworth's obsession with time reflects the Beast's own fear of time, as he is running out of time to break the curse before it becomes permanent.
Moreover, the clock also represents the passage of time and how it affects the characters in the story. As Belle spends more time in the castle, she learns more about the Beast and his past, and their relationship gradually develops. The clock serves as a reminder of the limited time they have to break the curse, and it adds an element of urgency to their situation.
The Candle as a Symbol of Hope
The candle in "Beauty and the Beast" is personified as Lumiere, the charming and suave candelabra. Lumiere is responsible for lighting up the castle and adding a warm and welcoming atmosphere to it. The candle represents hope in the story, as Lumiere is always optimistic and hopeful that the curse will be broken, and the enchanted objects will return to their human forms.
Moreover, the candle also represents the power of love and how it can overcome the darkness. When Belle and the Beast share a romantic dinner, Lumiere sings "Be Our Guest," a musical number that celebrates the power of love and hospitality. The candlelight adds a romantic and magical touch to the scene, and it symbolizes the hope that Belle and the Beast will find love and break the curse.
The Importance of the Clock and Candle in the Story
The clock and candle are not just inanimate objects in "Beauty and the Beast," but characters that contribute to the plot and character development. The clock and candle represent different aspects of the story, such as the passage of time, the power of hope, and the importance of love. Moreover, the clock and candle serve as a reminder of the curse and the limited time the characters have to break it.
Furthermore, the clock and candle also reflect the characters' personalities and motivations. Cogsworth's obsession with time represents the Beast's own fear of time, while Lumiere's optimism and hope represent the power of love. Belle's interactions with the clock and candle also reveal her character and her growing affection for the Beast.
Conclusion
The clock and candle in "Beauty and the Beast" are more than just enchanted objects, they are characters that add depth and meaning to the story. The clock represents the passage of time and the urgency of breaking the curse, while the candle represents hope and the power of love. These objects reflect the characters' personalities and motivations and contribute to their development. The clock and candle are essential elements of the story that make "Beauty and the Beast" a timeless classic.