The messages in each one of the stories are considerably different. Starting with the Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast”, one of the major themes is to not criticize someone before you get to know them. Belle was afraid of the Beast when she first meets him, but she gives him a chance and finds that he can learn to love. Another less recognized message exhibited by Belle is that one doesn’t have to conform to society. As Gaston says in the exposition, “It’s not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas, and thinking...”. This shows that Belle is not like other girls her age, for she prefers intellectuality to materialism. The Disney version of Beauty and the Beast is directed towards children, especially women and girls, telling them that they don’t need to be what society …show more content…
In other stories, such as the original “Beauty and the Beast” by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, the message is not significantly different. It plays along the same lines with another hidden message: when life hands you a bad situation, one must do their best to make it better. This story is directed towards young women who are in arranged marriages or just marriages in general, and teaches the lesson of karma; do good and receive good in return. Belle had always done well for her family and was now it was her turn. “He married Beauty, and lived with her many years , and their happiness -- as it was founded on virtue -- was complete.” (LePrince, 32) Another version of Beauty and the Beast, “Cupid and Psyche” by Apuleius is told also to women, but has some slightly bittersweet messages. Two of said messages are to obey your husband and don’t be curious, for Psyche was curious about Cupid and it cost her their happiness. “Oh silly, foolish Psyche, it was for your sake that I disobeyed the orders of my mother Venus!” (Apuleius, 14) This is not necessarily a theme