How does Beauty and the Beast end? This timeless fairy tale, adapted into various forms of media over the years, has captivated audiences with its enchanting story of love, transformation, and redemption. The ending of Beauty and the Beast, whether in the original fairy tale by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve or in its numerous adaptations, always leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
The original fairy tale concludes with the Beast, having won the love of Beauty, transforming back into a prince. This transformation is not just physical; it is also symbolic, representing the Beast’s inner transformation from a creature of bitterness and resentment to one of kindness and compassion. The enchanted rose, which had been the source of the Beast’s curse, falls to the ground and withers away, signifying the end of the curse. Beauty, now a princess, accepts her place by the Beast’s side, and together they live happily ever after.
In Disney’s 1991 animated film adaptation, the ending is quite similar. After the Beast saves Beauty from the clutches of the Gaston, the curse is lifted, and the Beast returns to his human form. The enchanted rose, which had been the source of the curse, falls to the ground, and the Beast, now a handsome prince, proposes to Beauty. She accepts, and they live happily ever after, surrounded by the enchanted objects that had once bound the Beast to his curse.
The 2017 live-action adaptation, directed by Bill Condon, also follows this traditional ending. The Beast, having learned the value of love and compassion, breaks the curse by proving his love for Beauty. The enchanted rose falls to the ground, and the Beast is transformed back into a prince. Beauty, now a princess, marries the Beast, and they live happily ever after, with the enchanted objects returning to their human forms.
While the endings of these adaptations are similar, each version adds its own unique touch to the story. The original fairy tale emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and the power of love to transform even the most hardened of hearts. Disney’s animated film adaptation focuses on the theme of love conquering all, while the live-action adaptation delves deeper into the characters’ emotional journeys.
In conclusion, the ending of Beauty and the Beast is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love. Whether in its original fairy tale form or in its various adaptations, the story of Beauty and the Beast leaves us with a message of hope and the belief that love can overcome even the darkest of curses. So, how does Beauty and the Beast end? It ends with a happily ever after, proving that love is truly the most beautiful thing of all.
