Beauty & the Beast / Women’s Rights

The original version of “Beauty and the Beast,” published in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, was more than just a fairy tale. French writer Jeanne-Marie le Prince de Beaumont later produced the most famous version of the tale, titled “La Belle et la Bête,” in the 1750s. Rather than a simple fantasy, de Beaumont’s rendition served as a critique of women’s rights during that era, cleverly hidden behind layers of marital guidance.

In this version, the “Beauty” character is distinctly comparable to the too-beautiful Madame de Ganges. Like the Marchioness, Beauty willingly goes to, but then is forced to submit to the will of a ferocious beast. De Beaumont’s work sheds light on societal expectations and the challenges faced by women, emphasizing the importance of agency and autonomy in relationships. Later adaptations shifted the emphasis to teaching young girls “good manners” and how to navigate the idea of marrying young and being in arranged marriages. So, while the Disney adaptations may focus on romance and magic, the original tale had deeper layers of meaning.

Author: GreatCosmicMothersUnited

I have joined with many parents affected with the surreal , yet accepted issue of child abuse via Pathogenic Parenting / Domestic abuse. As a survivor of Domestic Abuse, denial abounded that 3 sons were not affected. In my desire to be family to those who have found me lacking . As a survivor of psychiatric abuse, therapist who abused also and toxic prescribed medications took me to hell on earth with few moments of heaven. I will share my life, my experiences and my studies and research.. I will talk to small circles and I will council ; as targeted parents , grandparents , aunts , uncles etc. , are denied contact with a child for reasons that serve the abuser ...further abusing the child. I grasp the trauma and I have looked at the lost connection to a higher power.. I grasp when one is accustomed to privilege, equality can feel like discrimination.. Shame and affluence silences a lot of facts , truths that have been labeled "negative". It is about liberation of the soul from projections of a alienator , and abuser .. View all posts by GreatCosmicMothersUnited