Beauty and the Beast

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A Traditional Fairy Tale Beauty and the Beast, written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and published in 1740, is a classic fairy tale that has seen numerous adaptations across Europe. The most popular version was abridged and rewritten by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. The story revolves around a wealthy, widowed merchant living with his six children—three sons and three daughters. While all the daughters are beautiful, the youngest, Beauty, stands out for her kindness, intelligence, and purity of heart. In stark contrast, her elder sisters are wicked, vain, and treat Beauty poorly, often making her feel like a servant. The merchant loses his fortune in a tempest at sea, forcing the family to live modestly in a farmhouse. After some time, he learns that one of his trade ships has returned, prompting him to visit the city to check for any valuable cargo. Before leaving, he asks his children if they want gifts; the sons request weapons and horses, while the elder daughters demand fine clothing and jewels, hoping for a return to wealth. Beauty, however, simply wishes for a rose, as none grow in their region. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, the merchant discovers that the ship's cargo has been seized to cover his debts, leaving him unable to fulfill his children's wishes.