How Long is Beauty and the Beast Original?
The classic fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story of love, transformation, and redemption. One of the most frequently asked questions about this beloved tale is: how long is the original version of “Beauty and the Beast”?
The original version of “Beauty and the Beast” was written by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. This version, titled “La Belle et la Bête,” is a lengthy novel that spans over 300 pages. The story is rich in detail and contains several subplots, making it a complex and intricate narrative.
In the original novel, the story of Beauty and the Beast is intertwined with the lives of other characters, including Beauty’s parents and her many suitors. The Beast’s transformation into a prince is not as immediate as in the more well-known Disney adaptation. Instead, it is a gradual process that requires Beauty’s love and understanding to break the curse.
The original novel also includes several moral lessons and reflections on human nature. For example, the Beast’s transformation is not only a physical one but also a spiritual one, reflecting the idea that true beauty comes from within.
In 1756, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont published a shortened version of the story, which is the one that is most commonly referred to as the “original” version of “Beauty and the Beast.” This abridged version, which is approximately 150 pages long, focuses more on the story of Beauty and the Beast and omits many of the subplots and moral lessons found in Villeneuve’s original novel.
Despite the differences between the two versions, the essence of the story remains the same: the power of love to transform even the most monstrous of creatures. The original version of “Beauty and the Beast” may be longer and more complex, but it is this depth and richness that has allowed the story to endure for centuries, captivating readers and audiences alike.
