Sources of Power

1. How do modern novelizations of “Beauty and the Beast” portray masculinity when narrated from the male point of view? Earlier versions of the story were told from Beauty’s point of view. One of the earliest versions by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, “emphasized the proper upbringing of young girls like Beauty, continually stressing that happiness depends on industriousness, self-sacrifice, modesty, and diligence.” (199, Zipes) The male point of view gives the reader access to information about the Beast’s motivations and backstory In BeastlyKyle’s obsession with looks and money comes from his father who either ignores him or throws money at him. The father only further impresses on Kyle the importance of looks and celebrity throughout his life. In BeastOrasmyn doesn’t quite fit in with the men around him because he abhors blood and hunting, preferring to work in the gardens and to read. His reluctance to take part in such things, like a religious sacrificial ceremony, leads to him making decisions about elements of the ceremony without the proper knowledge. Sources of Power In Beastlypower and masculinity is garnered from work, celebrity, and money/business success. Before he is a beast, Kyle is part of the upper class and lives in New York City. In Beastpower comes from inherited titles, royalty, and from devout religious beliefs. The Beast himself does not embody the traditional beliefs his people have of masculinity and avoids blood and hunting whenever possible. These two stories, Beastly by Alex Flinn and Beast by Donna Jo Napoli, are both told from the point of view of the Beast. The Beast’s Flaws In Beastly Kyle’s (the Beast) main flaw is vanity. In traditional literature vanity, especially about one’s looks is seen as a largely feminine characteristic. Kyle sees his looks as the reason for his power and uses them and his family’s status to manipulate those around him In Beast, the flaws of Prince Orasmyn are not nearly as obvious. The Prince is cursed for making a religious decision based on his position, rather than his knowledge of the situation. Proposed Conclusion Modern versions of “Beauty and the Beast” told from the male point of view allow for a more flexible and permissive take on the masculinity of the male character. The telling of the story from the male point of view shows a more complex and possibly more sympathetic Beast by narrating his emotions and motivations.