Movie: Beauty and the Beast

Overview of Belle: The portrayal of Belle in Disney’s adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is quite different than the expectations during her time period. Belle is a feminist who refuses to succumb to her society’s view on the role of women.

Belle is perceived as a strange woman by her fellow villager because she is knowledgeable and intelligent. Most striking of all is the fact that she can read and is often seen holding a book in her hands. The fact that she can read can expose her to many perspectives and views on certain subjects and therefore allows her to be more open minded and willing to accept new concepts and ideas.

The  main character, Belle, showing her intelligence and ability to read.

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Belle chooses whom she wants to love and departs from a judgment based on physical appearance. She disregards the Beasts outer, horrendous appearance and sees him as a character with a unique personality. She eventually falls in love with him for who he truly is inside. Belle also has the liberty to choose and make her own decisions. In the original Beauty and the Beast, Belle is forced to stay as a prisoner. In the Disney film adaptation, Belle actually takes the initiative to voice her opinion and stay with the Beast.

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Nonconformity to male dominance is that next approach to toward the feminism observed in Belle’s characteristics and traits. The handsome, but conceited hunter, Gaston is probably every girls’ dream. As seen in the movie, many women in town daze and their eyes glisten at the sight of Gaston and his prominent masculinity. His ultimate goal is to win Belle’s love, but in return she show no interest in him because of his arrogance and sexism.

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Gaston is shallow and only chases after Belle because she is the most beautiful girl in town. He wants nothing more than to possess her and this can deem himself superior. However, Belle is not superficial like him and rejects him at his every advance. Belle does not fall in love with any male character at first sight like most other princesses. Her love is gained through a series of hardships and mutual trust with the beast.