Undoubtedly that Beauty and the Beast was an unique Disney movie, for some decades it shows the reality of how women were treated in the past, freedom and telling us 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'...
Book equals knowledge in the past
The writer symbolises the book equals knowledge, that is why Belle has been described as 'odd' 'weird' and 'unusual' girl in her town, where boys were only educated. Fortunately she was well educated as her father is willing to teach her to write (There are exceptions!)
It was clearly shown in a particular scene while Belle was teaching a little girl how to read however she was then criticised of her action by the Headmaster of the town. Be true to yourself we all know we're living in a patriarchal society where Men are seen as superior as they're more muscular and do more work then us?
In contrast surprisingly Belle wasn't portrayed as a weak or a girl is incapable of choosing her path, she had the choice to reject Gaston and choose the Beast. Furthermore at the end SHE was the one who saved the Beast, or should I say mutually. The writer has predicted that Belle and Beast must be together at the end as the first letter of the title indicates they must be together, Gaston will never be the one as in French ; Gaston means 'Guest' 'Stranger' so definitely there isn't a chance for him.
There must be more than this provincial life!
It is indeed, she was also like the ladies in her town where she was unable to explore the outside world, the only thing she ever come across with the outside world is her father going to The Market each year to bring her red roses. Consequently her father was imprisoned due to he tried to pick up red roses from the Beast's castle, the Beast wouldn't let him... as the Red roses has the meaning of 'True love', but the Beast never show love to the outsiders therefore he stopped Belle's father from picking it up.
It also shows the only way Belle could live a not so provincial life is that stay with the Beast - this has something to do with Gender as this may indicates the fact Women weren't able to leave a particular place without a MEN.
Don't judge a person by his/her appearance ;
Having lived a life in selfishness, a young prince is cursed by a mysterious enchantress to having the appearance of a monstrous beast, he then never mentioned his name or family anymore - a curse has been made and everything in the castle were objectified, winter in four seasons. Even the most selfishness person in the world will have a small dim of conscience presented within their heart...He may be a beast but he still has a human heart. But as you know most of the people have the ideology settled in their mind thinking that 'Beast' are cruelty, nasty or violent, it is true but not with him because he saved Belle!
As long as you have the commitment of changing or slightly improves her personality then everything is possible. The appearance doesn't tell you all about a person's personality, you need to be willing to spend time to discover the positive side of him/her.
Love is essential in life but with mutual respect and trust
As much people know how did Gaston treat Belle's father and the Beast by trying to kill them in order to make Belle his wife but if it was a one sided relationship then no one would be happy or neither future child, Belle is more like a prize to him, we can tell from how his side kick always mentions things about 'War' 'Winning' and 'Women to make him calm. Too self-centred! In contrast of The Beast he showed his interests and tries to open his deep heart and declare his love to Belle, and willing to set her free. In addition to this also when they both saved each other twice.
Freedom plays an important part within this context as it indicates they have the choice to choose or live what they like.
The phenomenon is known as 'Happiness'.
As much people have thought about fairy-tales are always simple minded and have the same plot as always, maybe try and stretch your mind a bit - outside the box perhaps?
:)
Kelsey xoxo
