Beauty and the Beast: A Tale of True Love and Self-Respect

The classic Disney film Beauty and the Beast has captivated audiences for generations, offering themes of self-discovery and the power of true love. If you were Belle, which character would you rather fall in love with: Gaston or the Beast?

My Journey as Belle

When I was younger, I was very much like Belle. I had a passion for reading and learning, but I faced criticism from those around me. Family members often ridiculed me for wanting to read and learn, suggesting that it wouldn't matter once I was married: "No man wants to marry a smart girl". I was seen as ruining my chances of landing a husband. In reality, they were missing the point; my thirst for knowledge was about more than just finding a husband. It was about my dreams of understanding the world and sharing that knowledge with the world.

Belle vs. Gaston

Belle faces a difficult choice in the film. Gaston, her gymne friend, is charming and wealthy, but his intentions are manipulative. He seems to believe that once he has Belle under his thumb, he can control her, "until her body is worn out from childbearing or until she loses her youth and beauty whichever happens first." However, throughout the movie, Gaston shows no respect for Belle's individuality. He mocks her love for books and her desire to be a teacher, dismissing her contributions as insignificant. His actions are self-serving, bordering on abusive, when he says, "If you don't want to be the mother of my children, you need not concern yourself with the other children in the village."

The Beast: A Better Choice

While the Beast is not initially attractive or respectful towards women, his character undergoes a significant transformation. At the start, he exhibits a crusty and unattractive appearance, indeed not what one might consider handsome. However, his heart is filled with love and compassion. The Beast is different from Gaston in crucial ways. He values Belle's intelligence and spirit, and he ultimately transforms into a compassionate and noble individual, respecting her boundaries and eventually falling in love with her for who she is inside, not just how she looks.

Why I Would Fall in Love with the Beast

Unlike Gaston, the Beast respects Belle's autonomy and wants her for who she truly is. When Belle teaches a young girl in the village to read, Gaston disapproves and criticizes her for caring about others beyond her family. He carouses with the villagers in a display of drunken arrogance, and he attempts to forcefully bring her back and coerce her into marrying him, showing his true colors. I would not choose such a figure, who disrespects women and uses manipulation and control to get what he wants.

Conclusion

In Beauty and the Beast, the real lesson is about self-respect and true love. While it might be tempting to choose a handsome, wealthy, or powerful partner, the true sources of happiness lie in finding someone who values and respects you for who you are. The Beast's transformation and his eventual love for Belle serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mutual respect and understanding in any relationship. Through his journey, the Beast learns to love Belle for her intelligence and personality, not just her exterior. Ultimately, this is a tale of inner beauty and true love that resonates with us all.