Beauty And The Beast Gabrielle-Suzanne De Villeneuve Book Review
If you're a fan of fairy tales, you're probably familiar with the story of Beauty and the Beast. But did you know that the original version was written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in the 18th century? Her version of the story is much longer and more complex than the popular Disney adaptation, and it's worth reading if you want to explore the deeper themes and characters of this classic tale.
The Plot
The basic plot of Beauty and the Beast is familiar: a wealthy merchant loses his fortune and his six children are forced to move to the countryside. One day, the merchant is caught in a storm and takes refuge in a mysterious castle. When he picks a rose from the castle's garden as a gift for his daughter Beauty, he is confronted by the castle's owner, a beastly creature who demands that the merchant send one of his children in exchange for the theft. Beauty bravely volunteers to take her father's place, and over time she comes to see the beast's true nature and falls in love with him.
But de Villeneuve's version is much more elaborate than this. She includes a lengthy prologue that tells the backstory of Beauty's parents and the curse that transformed the beast from a handsome prince into a monstrous creature. She also spends a lot of time developing the characters of Beauty and the beast, exploring their inner thoughts and feelings as they grow closer to each other.
The Themes
One of the central themes of Beauty and the Beast is the idea of beauty being more than skin deep. In de Villeneuve's version, Beauty is not just physically beautiful but also intelligent, kind, and brave. The beast, meanwhile, is ugly on the outside but has a kind heart and a noble soul. Their love for each other transcends their appearances and shows that true beauty comes from within.
Another theme is the power of love to transform people. When Beauty first arrives at the castle, she is afraid of the beast and repulsed by his appearance. But over time, she comes to see the good in him and develops feelings for him. Through her love, she is able to break the curse that has kept the beast in his monstrous form.
The Writing Style
De Villeneuve's writing style is very different from modern fairy tales. Her version of Beauty and the Beast is over 100 pages long and is written in a formal, ornate style that can be difficult to read at times. She also includes many digressions and side stories, which can make the narrative feel somewhat disjointed.
However, her prose is also richly descriptive and full of vivid imagery. She paints a detailed picture of the castle and its surroundings, and her characters are well-developed and nuanced. Overall, her style adds depth and complexity to the story that is missing from many modern adaptations.
The Verdict
If you're a fan of fairy tales, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve's version of Beauty and the Beast is definitely worth reading. It offers a more complex and nuanced take on the classic story, with well-developed characters and themes that are still relevant today. However, be prepared for a slow and somewhat challenging read, as de Villeneuve's writing style is quite different from what most modern readers are used to.
Overall, Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale of love, transformation, and the true nature of beauty. Whether you're reading it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, de Villeneuve's version is sure to enchant and delight.