Review: Beauty by Robin McKinley
Introduction
Beauty, written by Robin McKinley and first published in 1978, is a beloved and imaginative retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Known for her deft ability to blend classic stories with fresh perspectives, McKinley takes the well-worn narrative of the ugly Beast and the beautiful Beauty and transforms it into a compelling and heartfelt exploration of inner beauty, love, and self-discovery. While staying true to the core elements of the original story, McKinley adds layers of complexity, depth, and emotional resonance that elevate the tale to a new level.
With its lush prose, vivid world-building, and relatable characters, Beauty is a novel that appeals not only to fans of fairy tales but also to those who appreciate stories that focus on personal growth and transformation. It is a beautiful exploration of how love and understanding can transcend appearances, and how one’s self-perception can change in the face of unexpected challenges.
Plot Overview
Beauty follows the life of a young woman named Beauty, who, as the youngest daughter in a family of means, is often overlooked and undervalued by others because of her plain looks. However, Beauty has a kind and noble heart, which makes her a beloved figure within her family. When her father loses everything in a series of unfortunate events, the family is forced to move to a small, remote house in the country. It is here that Beauty’s life will take an unexpected turn.
After her father stumbles upon the mysterious, magical Beast’s castle and inadvertently offends him, Beauty offers to take her father's place as the Beast’s captive. The Beast, who is cursed to live as a terrifying creature until someone loves him, allows Beauty to live in his castle, offering her everything she could ever desire, but all he asks in return is for her to stay with him. As the story unfolds, Beauty and the Beast develop a bond that goes beyond appearances, learning to love each other despite their differences.
Throughout the novel, Beauty’s personal transformation is intricately tied to her growing relationship with the Beast. What begins as a journey of survival gradually becomes one of self-discovery, as Beauty learns to understand not only the Beast’s true nature but her own. The eventual breaking of the curse is not merely the result of love between Beauty and the Beast but the realization that they both have the power to change and evolve.
Themes
The Power of Love and Self-Acceptance
One of the most prominent themes in Beauty is the power of love to transcend appearances and reveal the true nature of a person. Both Beauty and the Beast must come to terms with their own flaws and insecurities before they can truly love one another. Beauty, who starts out feeling inadequate due to her perceived lack of beauty, learns to see beyond her own self-doubt and embrace her worth. Likewise, the Beast, who is initially defined by his outward appearance, is revealed to be compassionate, kind, and capable of great love.
This theme of self-acceptance is crucial to the novel’s emotional core. Beauty’s journey of understanding herself and seeing the Beast for who he truly is echoes the idea that true beauty lies in the heart and soul, not in external appearances. McKinley emphasizes that love, to be truly transformative, must be unconditional and not based on surface-level traits.
Transformation and Growth
In Beauty, transformation is not just magical—it is also personal and emotional. Both Beauty and the Beast undergo significant changes throughout the story, and these transformations are essential to the ultimate resolution of the plot. Beauty matures as she learns the importance of sacrifice, kindness, and the strength of her inner character, while the Beast’s journey is one of redemption, as he learns to let go of bitterness and pride.
The novel suggests that growth is not a one-sided event but a mutual process that requires both individuals to embrace vulnerability and change. This transformation is mirrored in the physical and magical aspects of the story—Beauty’s emotional growth parallels the Beast’s gradual return to his human form. In this way, McKinley ties the external changes to internal growth, making the transformation a symbol of love’s power to heal and change.
Family and Sacrifice
Another important theme is the idea of familial love and sacrifice. Beauty’s devotion to her father is what initially leads her to make the ultimate sacrifice, trading her own freedom for his safety. The theme of familial love is intertwined with her romantic journey, demonstrating that love comes in many forms—both familial and romantic. Beauty’s relationship with her sisters is also important, as it highlights the dynamics of sibling love, jealousy, and understanding. These relationships are complex and give depth to the protagonist’s character, as she navigates both family obligations and the growth of her own personal desires.
Freedom and Choice
While the story centers around Beauty’s captivity in the Beast’s castle, it is clear that this captivity is not a literal prison—it is more a figurative one that represents the constraints placed on Beauty by her circumstances, her own fears, and her lack of understanding. As Beauty grows throughout the novel, she begins to understand that true freedom lies in making choices based on her own agency and heart. Her ability to make choices, even in difficult situations, empowers her both in her relationship with the Beast and in her understanding of herself. The novel presents the idea that freedom is not about escaping one’s situation but about finding the strength and wisdom to navigate it with grace.
Character Analysis
Beauty
Beauty, the protagonist, is a deeply relatable and compelling character. Unlike the traditional fairy tale heroine who is depicted as flawlessly beautiful, Beauty is a plain, intelligent, and self-aware young woman who feels more comfortable with books and knowledge than in the world of beauty and glamour. This gives her a refreshingly grounded personality that readers can easily connect with. As the novel progresses, Beauty undergoes an evolution, learning not only about the Beast but also about her own capacity for love, sacrifice, and self-empowerment. She is both strong and vulnerable, making her a rich and multifaceted character.
The Beast
The Beast in McKinley’s version is far from a typical villain. He is tragic and misunderstood, cursed to live as a monstrous creature. His journey is one of healing and redemption, as he learns to open his heart to Beauty and overcome his own insecurities and fears. The Beast is not just a symbolic figure of wrath or cruelty—he is an emotional, layered character who seeks love and redemption. His relationship with Beauty is one of growth, as they learn to understand one another and break the curse through mutual love and respect.
Style and World-Building
McKinley’s writing in Beauty is lush and descriptive, perfectly capturing the fairy-tale atmosphere while also grounding the story in real emotional depth. The world-building is subtle yet rich, with the enchanted castle, the surrounding forests, and the magical elements providing an immersive backdrop to the story. The castle is described as a place of both wonder and mystery, reflecting the complexities of the Beast’s character and the growing relationship between him and Beauty.
The magic system in Beauty is understated but integral to the plot. The curse that transforms the Beast and the events that lead to the breaking of the curse are steeped in magic, but the focus is always on the emotional and psychological growth of the characters. McKinley’s integration of magic is not only thematic but also symbolic, showing how love, understanding, and personal growth can be as powerful as any enchantment.
Conclusion
Beauty is a powerful and emotionally resonant retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. Through beautiful prose, well-crafted characters, and a deeply touching exploration of love, sacrifice, and transformation, McKinley has created a version of the classic fairy tale that feels fresh, original, and timeless. This novel is not just a romance, but a thoughtful meditation on self-acceptance, the nature of beauty, and the power of love to heal and transform.
Final Verdict
A must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings, complex character development, and stories that explore deeper emotional and philosophical themes. Beauty is a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, making it one of the most memorable and meaningful takes on the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
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