beauty and the beast cornel

Beauty and the Beast: An Analysis of Cornel’s Masterpiece

Introduction

The tale of Beauty and the Beast has been retold countless times, but none quite captured the essence of the story like Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s version. However, it was not until Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote her version that the story took on a new dimension. It is here that the beast is given a backstory, and the curse that made him a beast is explained. This backstory was later explored by other authors, including Angela Carter and Robin McKinley. However, it is George Cornelius’s visual depiction of the tale that brings the story to life.

The Beauty and the Beast tale is one that has been retold countless times, but none quite captured the essence of the story like Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s version. However, it was not until Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote her version that the story took on a new dimension. It is here that the beast is given a backstory, and the curse that made him a beast is explained. This backstory was later explored by other authors, including Angela Carter and Robin McKinley. However, it is George Cornelius’s visual depiction of the tale that brings the story to life.

The Beast’s Backstory

The backstory of the Beast is what makes him such a tragic character. The story goes that the Beast was once a handsome prince who was cursed by a wicked fairy. The fairy was angry that the prince had refused her advances, and so she cursed him to live as a beast until he found someone who could love him despite his appearance. The curse was so powerful that it affected the entire kingdom, turning it into a dark and foreboding place.

The Beast’s appearance is not the only thing that has been affected by the curse. He has also become bitter and angry, believing that no one could ever love him for who he is. It is this bitterness that makes him so hostile towards Beauty when she first arrives at his castle. However, as the story unfolds, we see that there is more to the Beast than just his appearance.

Cornel’s Depiction of the Beast

Cornel’s depiction of the Beast is both terrifying and beautiful. He has managed to capture the essence of the character, making him both fierce and vulnerable. The Beast is shown with sharp teeth and claws, and his eyes are a bright yellow color. However, there is also a sadness in his eyes, as if he is resigned to his fate.

The castle that the Beast inhabits is also a masterpiece. It is dark and foreboding, with twisted trees and thorny bushes surrounding it. The castle is shown in a state of decay, with broken windows and chipped paint. However, there is also a sense of grandeur to the castle, with its towering turrets and grand entrance.

Beauty’s Characterization

Beauty is often portrayed as a passive character in retellings of the tale. However, in Cornel’s version, she is a strong and independent woman. She is not afraid to stand up to the Beast and is willing to fight for what she believes in. This characterization makes her a more relatable character, as she is not just a passive victim who is waiting to be rescued.

The transformation of Beauty is also a significant aspect of the story. She starts off as a plain and unremarkable girl, but as she spends more time with the Beast, she begins to see his true character. Her transformation is not just physical but also emotional, as she learns to look beyond appearances and see the beauty within.

The Relationship between Beauty and the Beast

The relationship between Beauty and the Beast is what makes the story so compelling. At first, they are hostile towards each other, with the Beast being resentful towards Beauty for intruding on his castle. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to develop a bond. The Beast is shown to be kind and compassionate towards Beauty, and she in turn begins to see him in a different light.

The climax of the story is when Beauty confesses her love for the Beast, breaking the curse that has kept him in his beastly form. It is a powerful moment that shows the transformative power of love. Cornel’s depiction of this moment is both beautiful and heartbreaking, as we see the Beast transform back into his human form.

Conclusion

Cornel’s depiction of Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the story. His portrayal of the Beast is both terrifying and beautiful, and his depiction of Beauty is a refreshing take on the character. The relationship between the two is what makes the story so compelling, and Cornel has managed to capture the transformative power of love in his visual depiction of the tale. It is a timeless story that will continue to be retold for generations to come.