Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Brief Intro

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) is a beloved animated musical romance film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, it tells the story of a young woman named Belle who is imprisoned by a beast in his castle, only to discover that he is an enchanted prince. The film is celebrated for its charming characters, enchanting music, and profound messages about love and inner beauty.

Literary Devices Used in Beauty and the Beast

Here are ten literary devices used in the film, with specific mentions for each device in various scenes.

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Rose in the Beast’s Castle	The rose symbolizes the Beast’s time running out to break the spell.
Belle’s Book	The book symbolizes Belle’s longing for adventure and a life beyond her village.

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
The opening prologue about the Prince’s curse	Foreshadows the Beast’s transformation.
Belle’s father getting lost in the woods	Foreshadows Belle’s journey to the castle.

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Belle, considered odd by her village, finds magic and adventure.	Irony of Belle finding the life she desires by being different.
Gaston, the town hero, becomes the villain.	Dramatic irony in Gaston’s transformation from hero to antagonist.

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Beast’s transformation	Metaphor for inner beauty and redemption.
Belle’s description of the village	The “quiet village” represents her mundane life.

5. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classic fairy tales	The film alludes to stories like “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty”.
Gaston’s song referencing Greek mythology	Allusion to Hercules and other Greek heroes.

6. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The ballroom dance scene	Vivid imagery of romance and magic.
The enchanted objects’ musical number	Colorful and lively imagery bringing objects to life.

7. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
The enchanted objects (Lumière, Cogsworth)	Inanimate objects with human traits.
The castle’s furniture	Personified to enhance the magical atmosphere.

8. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Gaston’s boastful song about himself	Exaggeration of his abilities and charm.
The Beast’s roar when angry	Exaggerated to emphasize his monstrous nature.

9. Simile

Movie Scene	Device Example
Belle describing the Beast’s eyes	“Eyes like the sea after a storm.”
Gaston’s song comparing Belle to the most beautiful girl	“More beautiful than a rose.”

10. Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
The Beast’s transformation	Allegory of redemption and change.
The villagers’ attack on the castle	Allegory of fear of the unknown.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

1. Belle

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Belle’s books symbolize her desire for knowledge and adventure.
Metaphor	Belle’s beauty represents not just physical attractiveness but inner virtue and intelligence.

2. Beast

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The Beast’s transformation is an allegory for personal growth and redemption.
Irony	The ironic contrast between his monstrous exterior and kind heart.

3. Gaston

Device	Explanation
Hyperbole	Gaston’s boastful nature is exaggerated to highlight his arrogance.
Irony	The dramatic irony of Gaston being the true beast of the story.

Character Dynamics

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Belle and Beast’s initial hostility foreshadows their eventual understanding and love.
Symbolism	The enchanted objects’ efforts to bring Belle and the Beast together symbolize hope and unity.

Thematic Analysis

Love and Inner Beauty

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The Beast’s transformation as a metaphor for seeing beyond appearances.
Symbolism	The rose as a symbol of love and the passage of time.

Redemption and Transformation

Device	Explanation
Allegory	The Beast’s journey from a cursed prince to a redeemed man.
Foreshadowing	The prologue setting up the Beast’s need for redemption.

Prejudice and Fear of the Unknown

Device	Explanation
Irony	The villagers’ fear of the Beast despite their own monstrous behavior.
Symbolism	The castle representing the unknown and fearsome exterior hiding something beautiful within.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	Soft lighting during the ballroom scene enhances the romantic symbolism.
Personification	Animation	The lively animation of the enchanted objects brings personification to life.
Foreshadowing	Music	Ominous music during the prologue foreshadows the curse.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection and Breakdown

1. Ballroom Dance Scene: Watch on YouTube
   • Analysis: This scene uses vivid imagery and symbolism to highlight the romantic development between Belle and the Beast. The grand visuals and sweeping music enhance the magical and transformative nature of their relationship.
2. Be Our Guest: Watch on YouTube
   • Analysis: The lively and colorful animation in this scene exemplifies personification and hyperbole, bringing the enchanted objects to life and showcasing their personalities.
3. The Transformation Scene: Watch on YouTube
   • Analysis: This pivotal scene uses allegory and metaphor to depict the Beast’s redemption and transformation. The dramatic music and lighting emphasize the significance of this moment.

Conclusion

To test your understanding of the literary devices used in “Beauty and the Beast,” take this interactive quiz:

Interactive Quiz:

1. What literary device is used with the enchanted rose?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Irony
   • D) Hyperbole
2. Which character’s development is most associated with redemption?
   • A) Belle
   • B) Gaston
   • C) Beast
   • D) Lumière
3. What does Gaston’s song primarily use to characterize him?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Allegory
   • C) Hyperbole
   • D) Foreshadowing
4. The castle’s interior representing the unknown is an example of which device?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Personification
   • D) Simile