Introduction
Beauty and the Beast – All Four Versions
includes the original, adult-oriented edition of the story
by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
(translated from the French by James Robinson Planché),
the simplified and shortened version
by Jeanne-Marie Leprince De Beaumont which appeared
sixteen years later, the Brothers Grimm adaptation
and a somewhat forgotten version
by Victorian folklorist and anthropologist Andrew Lang.
Beauty and the Beast – All Four Versions
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.
Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont.
The Singing, Springing Lark by the Brothers Grimm.
Beauty and the Beast by Andrew Lang.
This famous folktale/fairytale contrasts physical beauty and wit with virtue and simple goodness. Although there is nothing in this fairytale that specifically talks of race, religion, or specific ethnic groups, the desirable attributes of physical beauty and intelligence can symbolize each of these. The Beast does not possess whatever the majority of the society perceives to be physical beauty (skin tone, eye color, hair texture, eye shape, body shape, etc.) and intelligence (theological, political, and societal beliefs). But Beauty sees something even better in him.
Summary
A wealthy merchant has three daughters and three sons. The sons are not of great import to the
moral of the story or of the development of the plot, but the difference between the daughters is crucial. The two older daughters are proud and contemptuous of others because of their elevated position in society. The elder sisters spent their time in idleness and play instead of helping others and improving their minds. Whereas Beauty is concerned for the welfare of others, helps the less fortunate, and reads a great deal to improve her mind.
When their father loses his wealth, the father, sons, and Beauty spend long hours working for the benefit of the family, but the elder sisters spend their time in idleness complaining of their misfortune.
While returning from a business trip, the father loses his way in a dense forest and happens upon a castle. Dinner is laid before him, a warm bed provided, and new clothing given, all without the host revealing himself. But when the father picks a rose from the garden for Beauty, the Beast appears and demands father’s life as repayment. However, the Beast allows the father to return home to see his children under oath to return, or to send a child in his place.
Upon hearing the tragic events, Beauty determines to return to the castle with her father, against
his wishes. She remains at the castle in place of her father and soon learns that behind physical ugliness and dullness of mind, the Beast is virtuous, gentle, and kind. Eventually, she is able to consent to marry him and her love transforms the Beast into a handsome and intelligent prince.
