The Origins of Beauty and the Beast
The tale of Beauty and the Beast has been cherished by generations, captivating hearts with its message of love, acceptance, and the power of inner beauty. But behind this iconic story lies real people whose lives inspired the creation of these beloved characters.
The origins of Beauty and the Beast can be traced back to 18th century France, during the time of the Enlightenment. It was a time of great change and progress, but also a time when physical appearances were heavily judged and valued. In this context, the story of Beauty and the Beast takes on a deeper meaning, shedding light on the superficial nature of society and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
The first published version of Beauty and the Beast was written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. However, it is believed that the story itself has much older roots, with variations appearing in different cultures throughout history. One of the most notable influences on the tale of Beauty and the Beast is the real-life story of Petrus Gonsalvus and his wife, Catherine.
Petrus was born in 1537 on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. He was born with a rare genetic condition called hypertrichosis, also known as “werewolf syndrome,” which caused him to have an excessive amount of hair all over his body. At the time, people with this condition were often seen as freaks and were treated as outcasts by society.
Petrus’ life changed drastically when he was taken from his home at the age of 10 and presented as a gift to the king of France, Henry II. The king was fascinated by Petrus’ appearance and decided to bring him to his court, where he was given an education and taught how to live like a nobleman.
As Petrus grew older, he caught the attention of Catherine de’ Medici, the wife of King Henry II. Catherine saw past his physical appearance and recognized his intelligence and kind heart. She arranged for Petrus to marry a noblewoman named Catherine, who accepted him for who he was and saw beyond his physical differences.
The love story between Petrus and Catherine became famous throughout France, with many people referring to them as the real-life Beauty and the Beast. Their story was seen as a symbol of true love and the triumph of inner beauty over external appearances.
But the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast doesn’t stop there. In the 17th century, a French author named Madame de Villeneuve wrote a story called “La Belle et la Bête,” which was said to be inspired by the life of Petrus and his wife. This story was later adapted and shortened by another French author, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, in 1756, creating the version that is most well-known today.
In this version, the Beast is a prince who is cursed by an enchantress for his selfish and cruel behaviour. The only way to break the curse is to find someone who can love him for who he truly is despite his monstrous appearance. This is where the character of Beauty comes in, a kind and compassionate young woman who agrees to take her father’s place as the Beast’s prisoner in his castle.
While the story of Petrus and Catherine may have been the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast, there are many other real-life examples of individuals who faced discrimination and were judged based on their physical appearance. One such example is Joseph Merrick, also known as the “Elephant Man”, who lived in the late 19th century.
Merrick was born with a severe case of neurofibromatosis, a condition that caused tumours to grow on his face and body. Like Petrus, he was considered a freak and was often displayed in sideshows and circuses. However, his story took a different turn when he was discovered by a doctor named Frederick Treves, who saw beyond his appearance and helped him find a home and a sense of belonging.
The story of Joseph Merrick and his relationship with Dr. Treves mirrors that of Beauty and the Beast, with Dr. Treves being the one who sees beyond Merrick’s physical appearance and recognizes his humanity. This real-life example further reinforces the message of Beauty and the Beast, highlighting the importance of looking beyond external appearances and finding true beauty within.
The character of Beauty also carries a strong message of female empowerment. In a time when women were often seen as mere objects to be won or traded, Beauty stands out as a strong and independent character. She willingly sacrifices her freedom for the sake of her father and bravely faces the Beast with kindness and compassion, ultimately breaking the curse and saving the prince.
Many have also drawn parallels between Beauty and the feminist movement, with Beauty representing the idea of a woman who is not confined by traditional societal norms and expectations. She is not afraid to challenge the status quo and sees beyond appearances, choosing to love someone for who they are rather than what society deems as acceptable.
In addition to the characters of Beauty and the Beast, the enchanted objects in the Beast’s castle also have real-life inspirations. The talking candlestick, Lumiere, is said to be based on the real-life French philosopher and writer Voltaire. The teapot, Mrs. Potts, is believed to be inspired by the real-life British actress Angela Lansbury.
These real-life connections bring an even deeper level of meaning to the story of Beauty and the Beast, making it not just a fairytale but a reflection of the world we live in. It challenges our notions of beauty and love and reminds us that true beauty lies within.
As we continue to revisit and retell the story of Beauty and the Beast, let us not forget the real people whose lives inspired it. Their stories are a testament to the power of love and acceptance, and their legacy continues to live on through this beloved fairytale. So the next time you watch or read Beauty and the Beast, remember the real stories behind these iconic characters and let their message of love and inner beauty inspire you.
