Beauty And The Beast Movie And Book Comparison

The funny thing about retelling a fantasy is, if it is done well, hardly anyone remembers the original. Such is the case with Beauty, by Robin McKinley. It is presented as “a retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast.” As I was reading it, certainly I could see similarities between the widely known Disney version, but I could not recall ever reading an original, translated version; translated because the original is in French, and I do not speak, read, nor write in French. The book, Beauty, is one that fits into several genres. It is traditional literature. The history of Beauty and the Beast is different from many other classic fairy tales in that is has a true beginning, instead of unknown oral traditions passed from generation

The characterization allows for children to suspend disbelief. Beauty lives in the real world. She and her family lived in the city before moving to Blue Hill. They live on the edge of a forest, which they have been told is magical and mysterious; and that they should never enter it. Beauty agrees to enter the forest with her father after he comes home with a fanciful tale. The details provided about the forest, how one gets lost upon entering it, and can only go to this rumored castle in the middle, within whose walls dwells a beast who talks like a man, meet the criteria for modern fantasy as well. The rumors are found to be true after her father encounters the Beast and in exchange for his life, the Beast tells her father he must return with one of his daughters or the beast will come after them. The theme is worthwhile for children, an added requirement for modern fantasy. It encourages children to look past appearances of others, to be hard working and to strive to live up to the virtues represented with the names of the girls; Grace, Honor, Hope and Mercy. The genre for the week Beauty is the required reading book is, “Reading as Other.” Reading as other, simply is reading about others who are not like ourselves, whether the difference is cultural, gender or interests. It is equally important to learn about other persons, places, and things similar to us, as different to us. Reading things one finds interesting is a key element in allowing young people to develop a life-long love of learning and