Why Couldn't Belle or the Beast Kill the Killer Wolves in Beauty and the Beast?

The scene of the wolves attacking Belle and the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast serves as a pivotal moment in the story. However, neither character is able to kill the wolves for several crucial reasons that delve into character development, moral conflict, and plot progression.

Character Development

The wolves in this scene are not simply antagonists; they are an integral part of Belle and the Beast's character development. The Beast, who has a violent past, is shown to be struggling with his inner demons and his capacity for violence. By not killing the wolves, he demonstrates a desire to change and control his aggressive instincts. This moment is pivotal in illustrating his growing capacity for compassion and empathy, which are essential traits the Beast needs to transform into a worthy and caring individual.

Moral Conflict

The Beast's reluctance to kill the wolves reflects a deep moral conflict within him. This moment serves as a significant indicator of his character growth. It contrasts his previous violent tendencies and sets him on a path towards embracing compassion and understanding. The Beast's hesitation to take violent action in the face of danger demonstrates his evolving character and foreshadows his eventual transformation into a kind and caring person. This moral conflict is central to the story's message about redemption and the power of change.

Plot Progression

The wolves also serve as a narrative device to bring Belle and the Beast closer together. Their shared struggle against the wolves creates a bond between them, reinforcing the themes of teamwork and trust. This moment is crucial to the plot as it sets the stage for their developing relationship and mutual understanding. It establishes the Beast as a caring person in Belle's eyes and in the eyes of the viewer. By not seeking to kill the wolves, the Beast strengthens this bond and demonstrates his commitment to protecting and caring for those around him, even in the face of danger.

Symbolism

From a symbolic perspective, the wolves can be seen as representing the Beasts own fears and anger. By not killing them, it suggests that he is learning to confront and manage his inner turmoil rather than resorting to violence. This symbolizes the Beast's journey towards self-awareness and emotional control, making him a more evolved and humane character. The wolves serve as a metaphor for the Beast’s own struggles and the internal challenges he must overcome to become the person Belle and the viewer both recognize him to be.

Logical Consistency and Plot Coherence

Additionally, the idea of the Beast killing the wolves doesn’t align with the logic and coherence of the story. If the wolves were no more 'bad' when attacking Belle than they would have been attacking a deer, and they were merely acting on instinct, it would be illogical for the Beast to kill them. The White Rose already serves as a symbolic gesture of his intention to save and protect Belle, and it would be counteractive to establish him as a caring person if he were to unnecessarily kill the wolves.

The Beast was able to scare them away, which makes chasing them down unnecessary and potentially obsessive. Moreover, it's important to remember that they are animals, guided by their instincts, and it's not their fault that they were following their natural tendencies. Attempting to identify which specific wolves were involved in the attack would be difficult and impractical, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Understanding the nuances of character development, moral conflict, and plot progression reveals why the Beast not killing the wolves is the most coherent and meaningful choice for the story.

Ultimately, the scene with the wolves emphasizes themes of redemption, growth, and the importance of compassion over brutality. These themes are central to Beauty and the Beast's message, making the decision not to kill the wolves a powerful and meaningful moment in the narrative.