Beauty And The Beast Original Story Vs Disney
The fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast has been a popular story for centuries. It has been retold in many different ways, but the most famous version is the Disney animated movie from 1991. However, many people don't realize that the Disney version is actually quite different from the original story. In this article, we will explore the differences between the original Beauty and the Beast story and the Disney version.
The Original Beauty and the Beast Story
The original Beauty and the Beast story was first published in 1740 by French writer Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. The story is about a wealthy merchant who loses his fortune and is forced to move to the countryside with his six children. One day, the merchant picks a rose from the garden of the Beast, who is a terrifying creature that lives in a nearby castle. The Beast demands that the merchant send one of his daughters to live with him in exchange for not killing him for stealing the rose. Beauty, the youngest daughter, agrees to go to the Beast's castle.
At the Beast's castle, Beauty is treated kindly and is given everything she could ever want. However, she soon discovers that the Beast is not as scary as he seems. Beauty and the Beast fall in love, but Beauty must return home to take care of her sick father. The Beast allows her to leave, but Beauty promises to return. When she returns, she finds that the Beast has been transformed into a handsome prince.
The Disney Version of Beauty and the Beast
The Disney version of Beauty and the Beast is quite different from the original story. In the Disney version, Belle is the daughter of an inventor who is considered strange by the people in her village. One day, her father is captured by the Beast, who is actually a prince who was cursed by an enchantress. Belle offers to take her father's place and lives in the Beast's castle.
At the castle, Belle is treated like a prisoner and is not allowed to leave. However, she soon discovers that the Beast is not as cruel as he seems. Belle and the Beast fall in love, but the Beast is eventually killed by Gaston, a jealous suitor. Belle confesses her love for the Beast, and he is brought back to life and transformed into a prince.
Differences Between the Two Versions
There are many differences between the original Beauty and the Beast story and the Disney version. One of the biggest differences is the characterization of the Beast. In the original story, the Beast is a terrifying creature who is feared by everyone. However, in the Disney version, the Beast is portrayed as more sympathetic and is given a backstory that explains why he is the way he is.
Another major difference is the role of Belle. In the original story, Beauty is a passive character who is simply a victim of circumstance. However, in the Disney version, Belle is a strong and independent character who is not afraid to stand up for herself.
Finally, the endings of the two stories are quite different. In the original story, Beauty and the Beast fall in love and the Beast is transformed into a prince. However, in the Disney version, the Beast is killed and then brought back to life.
Conclusion
While the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast is a beloved classic, it is important to remember that it is quite different from the original story. The original story is darker and more complex, while the Disney version is more lighthearted and family-friendly. Both versions have their own merits, and it is up to each individual reader or viewer to decide which version they prefer.