With the release of Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast, it's easy to remember why we all fell in love with the original Disney movie years ago. And now, with the memories of the animated beauty and the much-awaited portrayal by Emma Watson, it's easier than ever to remember all of the reasons why we love and adore Princess Belle.
She's smart.
An avid reader (and the only bookworm in town- or at least the only female bookworm), Belle is strikingly smart. Her brains alone make her admirable and total goals.
She's unapologetically unique.
Belle is basically an outcast in her town, seemingly out of place due to her hobbies, morals, and lifestyle. People's judgements don't bother her, though. She is fiercely, unapologetically herself; it's sweet and inspiring.
She has goals.
Belle wants more than the people of her town are used to: she craves adventure, knowledge, variation, genuine companionship, and much more than this provincial life.
She's pretty.
It's no wonder that her name means "beauty," after all. You know Disney princesses and their fairy tale loveliness: sure, it's unrealistic, but it's also fun.
She isn't shallow and doesn't settle.
She sees Gaston as more than just his good looks, popularity, and muscles. And she doesn’t settle for someone who just wants a quiet, pretty wife. He isn’t really her style.
She loves her father.
The townspeople dismiss Maurice as a crazy inventor, but Belle loves him unconditionally. She sacrifices herself and becomes the Beast’s prisoner so that her father can go free instead. She misses him the entire time she’s at the castle. She runs out to save him when she sees that he’s in danger. She loves and appreciates him and never forgets it.
She isn't afraid to stand up to the Beast.
No Stockholm Syndrome here! Remember that time when Belle loudly refused to have dinner with the Beast? She didn't allow the Beast or her fear to break her strength.
She's forgiving and compassionate.
As Belle and the Beast begin to develop feelings for each other, Belle forgives him for his initial behavior towards her. While everyone assumes that the Beast is a violent, careless monster, Belle begins to notice that he’s sweet, caring, and sensitive. She cares for him and loves him while no one else does.
She stands up for what she believes in.
She stands up for her father when Gaston attempts to put him in an insane asylum, and she stands up for the Beast when Gaston leads the riot to his castle. She stands strong, and her will is unbreakable.
She's in control of her own story- and it's a charming one.
From beginning to end, Belle knew exactly what she wanted and didn’t give up even a bit of herself to fit society’s standards. Go, girl. Strong, smart, and sweet, it’s no wonder that Belle is so admirable and lovable.
