3. Beauty & the Beast
This is a classic metamorphosis tale.
The Beast is a handsome prince under an
enchantment, and only true love will break the
spell.
The story has been told many times but the
essential ideas stay the same – this is once of
the least ‘Disneyfied’ fairy tales.
4. Beauty & the Beast
Essential ingredients:
• A spooky, secluded castle
• A deal or agreement between Beauty’s father
and the Beast
• A rose
• An enchantment
• A declaration of love
• A transformation
5. Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis means complete transformation.
The stories tell us that the Beast was cursed with
ugliness for ungallant behaviour. When Beauty
falls in love with him and kisses him, the curse is
lifted and he becomes a handsome Prince again.
Is this a literal or a symbolic metamorphosis?
6. What is the moral or message of the story?
Is it that:
• Love is more powerful than magic and can
break spells
• Love makes people more attractive
• Personality and character are more important
than appearances
• Ugliness is a terrible punishment, good looks
are a reward
7. Shrek – a twist on the story
How does this
version change the
message of the
traditional story?
9. The Courtship of Mr Lyon
Makes notes on the following:
• The setting, including Mr Lyon’s house
• Beauty’s father
• Beauty
• Mr Lyon
10. The Courtship of Mr Lyon
How does Carter’s story develop the themes and
motifs of the original?
11. The Tiger’s Bride
Make notes on the following:
• The setting, including the Beast’s home
• Beauty’s father
• Beauty
• The Beast
12. The Tiger’s Bride
This story is written from Beauty’s own point of
view.
How does this impact on the story?
13. The Tiger’s Bride
There are a number of
significant changes from the
original – such as the overt
sexuality of the relationship
and the metamorphosis itself.
How do these changes impact on the
meanings of the story? What is this story
about, that we don’t have in the original?
