Beauty and the Beast: Let's Get Real About the OG Story
Okay, people, let’s talk about Beauty and the Beast. We all know the Disney version, right? Singing teacups, a library that would make anyone swoon, and a super catchy soundtrack. But have you ever actually read the original fairytale? Buckle up, because it's a WILD ride.
First off, forget the charming village. Think struggling merchant, not quirky townsfolk. Our girl, Beauty, isn't exactly skipping through fields of wildflowers either. She's basically doing unpaid labor for her down-on-his-luck dad.
Dad Makes a Terrible Deal (Surprise!)
So, Daddy dearest stumbles upon this creepy castle. He helps himself to a rose (rude!). Then, the Beast shows up, all roaring and demands a life in exchange. Classic dad move, right?
Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he offers up one of his daughters to The Beast. Talk about being the worst dad of the year award.
Beauty, being the selfless soul she is, volunteers as tribute. She's basically like, "Okay, Dad, I'll take one for the team." I secretly wonder if she wanted to get away from her siblings, though. Just me?
Life with a Furry Dude
Turns out, living with the Beast isn't all that bad. He's got a castle, obviously. She gets treated like a queen, with fancy dresses and tons of food. Much better than scrubbing floors back home. Right?
He asks her to marry him Every. Single. Night. Talk about pressure! Beauty politely declines, but stays for the free room and board. She's no dummy.
Eventually, she gets homesick and begs to visit her family. The Beast, being a total softie, agrees. But he's like, "You HAVE to come back in a week, or I'll die of heartbreak!" Seriously dramatic.
Family Drama and Near-Death Experiences
Of course, her jealous sisters hatch a plan to keep her away longer. They're hoping the Beast will get so mad that he eats Beauty. Because, you know, sisterly love.
Beauty eventually feels guilty and rushes back to the castle. She finds the Beast dying of... something? Loneliness? A broken heart? The original story isn’t very clear.
She finally admits she loves him. BAM! He transforms into a handsome prince. Apparently, all it takes is a little "I love you" to break a curse. Seems a bit anticlimactic, doesn't it?
Unpopular Opinion Time!
Here's my hot take: Beauty fell for the castle, not the Beast. Let's be real. Free room and board, a massive wardrobe, and a staff of enchanted servants? Who wouldn't?
The original story is... dark. It feels more like Stockholm syndrome than true love, if you ask me. Don't @ me! I love Disney's version better.
I think the best take away from Beauty and the Beast, whether from the fairytale version or the Disney version is that there are no good and bad, black and white. The Beast may be a monster on the outside, but he has a heart of gold, and Beauty may be the one who needs to learn about appearances and inner beauty.
Ultimately, it’s a story about looking beyond the surface. And maybe, just maybe, scoring a sweet castle in the process.
