Belle's Research Library
Curated by Alissa Klusky
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Pull your favorite book off the shelf of Belle's Research Library and learn a
little bit more about the context of Beauty and the Beast. From the pieces of
history to bits of research pulled directly from the text, there is something for everyone! If you don't see the book you're looking for, please contact the librarian for it to be added to the shelf.
Beauty and the Beast doesn't start and end with Disney's 1991 adaptation of the classic French fairy tale. The original source material can be traced back to a female novelist in1740, and the inspiration for that iteration can be traced back even further. It's safe to say the tale may be as old as time!
Illustrator: Margaret Evans Price
Images from Cocteau's La Belle a La Bête
There have been many adaptations of La Belle a la Bête. One of the most notable is by a French filmmaker by the name of Jean Cocteau. His 1946 film is a surrealist classic and was a large inspiration for the team behind our production of Beauty and the Beast.
Gaston threatens to wrongfully commit Maurice to an asylum unless Belle will marry him. What were asylums like in 19th century France? How insidious is this threat Gaston is making? Read more about the history behind these institutions here.
Image of a19th century french asylum
The enchanted rose is a central symbol in the Beauty and the Beast story. Learn more about what the rose represents and about the vanitas paintings that the story seems to draw inspiration from.
Book Writer: Linda Woolverton
Lyricist: Howard Ashman
Composer: Alan Menken
(additional lyrics by Tim Rice)
Visit our glossary to see definitions for different words in our script with page number references. Check out the section on all of the French words in the show!
