Dippel 1

Sydney Dippel
Professor Kendra Parker
English 113-03 The Wonderful World of Disney?
20 April 2015
The Beast Behind The Beauty
The relationship between Belle and the Beast in Disneys Beauty and the Beast examines
the issue of relationship violence and its implications in American culture.

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 1:52 PM

Comment [1]: Word choice...exemplifies?
demonstrates?

The issue of relationship violence in Disneys Beauty and the Beast is represented
through various controlling behaviors by the Beast toward Belle, which examines the issue of
authority within a relationship in American culture. At the beginning of the film, Belle sacrifices
her won freedom so the Beast would let her father go. In response to this, the Beast throws her
father out and he is taken away from the castle very abruptly. Belle and her father do not get to
say goodbye to each other before the Beast tears them apart, separating the family forever
presumably. As in many abusive relationships, one partner completely isolates the other from
his/her family and friends. By kicking Belles father out and holding her captive, the Beast
exemplifies a characteristic of an abusive relationship in the film. Furthermore, the Beast
secludes Belle and prevents her from talking to anyone outside the castle, which signifies that he
has control over Belle. Children watching the film pick up on the power differences of the
relationship between Belle and the Beast, and may apply this perception to their own
relationships in the future. If American children are taught through the media that it is acceptable
for their partner to isolate them from all their loved ones, it could lead to many unhealthy
relationships in the future. The effects of a role model like this could be especially detrimental
for children who lack an example of a more healthy relationship.

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 1:54 PM

Comment [2]: Good example from movie

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 1:54 PM

Comment [3]: And good connection to
your example

Dippel 2

The issue of relationship violence in Disneys Beauty and the Beast illustrates that in a
relationship a certain amount of secrecy is acceptable, especially when the secret seems to be
protecting the other person, which examines the overall basis of relationships in American
culture. One of the first rules that the Beast makes clear to Belle is that she is not to go into the
West Wing. When she tries to question this restriction and why she cannot enter this area of the
castle, the Beast blows up on her, screaming at her because he forbids her from going there.
Later in the movie, when Belle explores the castle and stumbles upon the Enchanted Rose in the
West Wing, the Beast is infuriated. He get very upset, yells at Belle profusely, and almost hurts
her while throwing furniture around the room. The Beasts confidential area of the castle as well
as his reaction to Belle supposed intrusion is not uncommon in violent relationships. Just like the
Beast, one person in an unhealthy relationship may prohibit the other from entering a certain area
or doing certain things they deem unacceptable. This abuse of power could be detrimental to the
other person in the relationship because it could put them in danger if they violate the rules. Just
this small example of the Beast restricting Belle to a certain area of the castle points to a bigger
issue within American culture and relationships specifically. If American children are presented
with this type of relationship as their model for the future, many of them may not end up with a
fairytale ending like in the movies. Many aspects of Belle and the Beasts relationship remain
under criticism because it portrays an unhealthy relationship by American culture standards.
With components like the Beast forbidding Belle to enter the West Wing, this example may
cause many violent relationships in the future generations.
The issue of relationship violence in Disneys Beauty and the Beast portrays Belle as a
victim of domestic violence who overlooks the abuse toward her from the Beast and believes he
can change, which exposes the concept in American culture that one can somehow change an

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 1:57 PM

Comment [4]: Good link to American
culture

Dippel 3

abusive partner by staying with him/her. Throughout the movie, Belle stands up for the Beast
time and time again, relentlessly defending him. She also continuously makes excuses for his
violence and writes them off as no big deal. Belle begins to interpret his abuse and rage toward
her as his temper acting up, and uses this explanation as justification for the acts he commits
against her. Because of her rationalizations, Belle stays with the Beast, hoping that someday he
will change and act better toward her. Some may even argue that Belle considers it her job to
change the Beast, and it is up to her to put up with his tough exterior to reveal what is
underneath. To many people, all the violent acts by the Beast as well as Belles behavior to
rationalize these acts are red flags of an abusive relationship. However, the children watching
this movie may not be aware of the impact it is having on them. They may not realize it, but
Belles actions in this situation are proving to young people that they should stay with an abusive
partner in a relationship because they might change someday. Because Belle deals with the many
abuses coming from the Beast and they live happily ever after in the end, young people all over
America may take this concept to heart and stay in a dangerous situation because of it. While not
all children who watch this movie will end up in an abusive relationship, some of them very well
might, and many people argue the media can help equip children with tools to deal with such
adversity.
However, the issue of relationship violence in Disneys Beauty and the Beast shows a
woman who notices something worthy in a man that many people have overlooked, which
highlights the notion in American culture of not judging someone without getting to know them
first. As Belle and the Beast grow closer throughout the movie, she begins to see something in
him that she did not see before: something special. In the song, Something There, Belle
realizes there is more to the Beast than meets the eye, Theres something sweet and almost kind,

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 2:07 PM

Comment [5]: Very interesting
counterpoint. You did a great job of
presenting a new idea that was different
then the rest. Maybe put it as the last
paragraph though! It would be beneficial so
you arent jumping around between
arguments.

Dippel 4

But he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined; And now hes dear and so unsure, I wonder
why I didnt see it there before. This song highlights the emerging connection between Belle
and the Beast, one that may not have developed without Belles ability to look past his tough
exterior and see what lies inside. Her continuous behavior of kindness and understanding toward
the Beast show him that she cares enough to stay with him through various struggles. Belles
actions toward the Beast exemplify the classic ideal in American culture of not judging someone
before you get the chance to know him/her. At first, Belle thought of the Beast as an angry
creature who tore her apart from her family, but after discovering the truth about him and his
desire for love, Belle could appreciate him fully. Children in American culture may benefit from
being exposed to Belle as someone who did not write off the Beast based on her first impression.
Belles ability to genuinely get to know the Beast before she made up her mind about him,
opened up new doors for their relationship. Children in American culture could benefit from a
role model like Belle and it could lead to more healthy relationships in the future.
The issue of relationship violence in Disneys Beauty and the Beast contributes to the
concept that the man should be dominant in the relationship, which raises issues about how
children are raised in American culture and how they perceive relationships. Soon after Belle
arrives at the castle and the Beast casts her father away, Belle locks herself in her room. When
the Beast requests that she join him at dinner, Belle refuses his invitation, claiming that she will
stay in her room forever. The Beast, angered by her stubbornness, tells the servants that if Belle
does not eat dinner with him in the dining room, then she does not eat at all. This situation, along
with multiple others in which the Beast asserts his dominance over Belle, raises awareness to an
issue within American culture about male dominance in a relationship. In the past, the man has
predominantly been the head of the household, making all major decisions and expecting the

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 2:02 PM

Comment [6]: Maybe expand on this
more because its a new idea and it might
now be good to end your argument by
starting another one. Or quickly mention
your previous argument and link it to this
new idea.

Dippel 5

woman to follow along with whatever he may decide. However, in recent years this arrangement
has lost some prevalence within American families. But with examples of relationships like the
one in between Belle and the Beast, children within American culture many begin to reinforce
these mindsets about gender. If young boys perceive themselves as being more powerful in a
relationship than their counterparts, then relationship violence and numerous other issues are
sure to follow. In addition, if young girls see one of their beloved Disney princesses being treated
like this, then they may be more vulnerable to abusive relationships in the future. A dominating
male role, such as the Beast, may prove detrimental to how children within American culture
perceive relationships, which in turn impacts their opinion on relationship violence.
Children learn so many of their ideals, their values, and their perceptions of the world
from the media, and with Beauty and the Beast as a relationship role model, the days of happily
ever after may be numbered.

Julia Condotti 4/21/2015 2:12 PM

Comment [7]: Last thoughts: Great start
to your paper! You need an intro,
conclusion, and at least two sources, which
Im sure you already know J