Bestial Mirrors and Beautiful Shadows: Re-Telling Beauty and the Beast, Melding Creative Writing and Literary Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to form and expound upon a literary analysis of the thematic elements to the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast, and how it has changed over time. Though holding true to traditional elements of the tale, retellings not only delve into the main characters but also portray them in such a way that they are two halves of one whole; two separate characters that come together to create one balanced entity. This is brought about by the character's acceptance of their own natures before they can accept the other's. Accompanying this paper is my own retelling, one which pulls from both traditional versions of the story, as well as taking inspiration from contemporary influences.