ディズニープリンセス Article: Why Belle Reads Fairytales

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posted by hisblueeyes

The question, "Which princess do あなた think is the smartest?" is asked very often and every time it is asked, there are those people who pick Belle. There are the people who not only pick Belle, but comment, "Because she reads." Then, there are the people who think that is a dumb thing to say, and begin immediately saying stuff like, "She only reads fairy-tales." Every time this process has been repeated I have wanted to say something like what I am about to say, but never got the chance. So now I'm going to say it.

I think many people forget that Beauty and the Beast is not set in 2011. It isn't set in the 1950's, either. It is set a long while back, before laptops and iPad's and cars. Before gigantic bookstores with every book genre and every book タイトルあなた could possibly think of. Belle lives in a small, provincial town, and the only "library" is a little bookshop with maybe two または three shelves. There aren't any trucks that come into town every week, with stacks & stacks of the newest books. No, in Belle's library, the 本 in there are probably the only 本 that are in there for months at a time. At the time Belle was alive, there also probably wasn't a Harry Potter または a Great Expectations. The only 本 that were probably in that としょうかん, ライブラリ were fairy-tales. Not thin paperback fairy-tales with pictures, no, the thick, complicated, original versions of fairy-tales. Have あなた ever read the original version of The Little Mermaid? It's not something just anyone can read.

Another thing I think people forget is that Belle was a dreamer, a dreamer who wanted to escape her boring town. 本 like Pride & Prejudice offer no escape. Fairy-tales? Now those are something. 読書本 like those, of far of places, dashing sword fights & a prince in disguise were possibly Belle's only 情報源 of comfort in that town she so wanted to leave. They offered her adventure that she couldn't have. If あなた think that it is very childish of Belle to read such stories, put yourself in her place. Pretend that's all your としょうかん, ライブラリ had. Pretend あなた need to flee where あなた are, but あなた can't, and unfortunately, Harry Potter doesn't exist yet. She also states that she's read all the 本 in

I'm going to end this 記事 with the wise words of someone who has written a very fairy-tale like series himself:
Some day, あなた will be old enough to start 読書 fairy-tales again. - C.S. Lewis

Portia0623, Sparklefairy375 and 15 others like this

Swanpride Good argument - What people also tend to forget: Belle read all the books available in her little town. I really doubt that all of them were fairy tales (I'm sure that there were some philosophical excurses between them at teh very least). Yes, she picks out books with stories - but what kind of book would you rather reread, the book with the stories, or the sience book? My reading interests are very diverse, but for a reread, I would chose a story book too. And which book would you read to a someone else? A story book, naturally. Plus, you learn a lot, even if you read just stories - for example, I have never been to sea, but I know most of the nautic words because I had a thing for pirate stories for a while. Not just the made up ones, but also the real ones, which descripe parts of a ship.

sumerjoy11 Wow, this is very good! I really can relate to this article. I live in a boring town and my only escape for me is either reading or drawing. Of course, most of the things I read or draw are Diney related. People call me immature just because I still like Disney and I'm 16, but Disney helps me not only to escape the ridicule and boringness, it also helps me to dream. I never really looked at Belle from this perspective before, until I read your article.

DreamyGal You make a good point, but I disagree with what you said about Pride and Prejudice offering no escape. That is one of my favorite novels; one of the main reasons I love it is because it takes me to a different place; a place where men were gentlemen and women were ladies...the language was proper and elegant...people actually bowed to each other whenever they met. And actually for the longest time I have thought that Belle and the Beasts relationship is very similar to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

hisblueeyes ^Oh, I love Pride and Prejudice too, it's one of my favorite books. I just thought it wouldn't offer Belle much escape, because it might make her feel like her town is even more provincial - reading about such elegant towns.

Swanpride I think Pride and Predudice wouldn't mean much to Belle, because it carricates a society, Belle knows next to nothing about. We can understand the "jokes" and the critizism in the book, because we have enough second source material to understand it, but I'm not sure if that would apply to Belle, too.

DreamyGal Well, we all have our opinions, I think Belle would've liked it...especially the romance.

princesslullaby ^I think Belle would've like it a lot too. I don't remember where in the movie it says Belle read every book in the library. I know she says "Have you got anything new?" But that doesn't mean she read every book on the shelf. Maybe only the ones that interested her ran out, so she's hoping for a new one. I know quite a few stupid people who read a lot, and I know quite a few smart people who rarely read. I'm not entirely sure Belle reading thick fairy-tales is a concrete argument that she's smart. And I really doubt Belle would read philosophical books, not that she's not smart enough, I don't see it particularly interesting to her. I understand why Belle reads fairy-tales, I never found it frivolous of her to do so. But I think when people comment saying "Belle is smart because she reads" it is a poor argument, but what aggravates me is when people say Belle is the SMARTEST princess because she reads. Throughout the movie, I find Belle to be an intelligent, capable person, but she doesn't do anything extraordinarily genius. She has a sensible set of smarts, but I don't find her to be the most clever or the smartest.

hisblueeyes ^I completely agree, I'm not saying she's the smartest, and I do think "because she reads" is a stupid argument. But I also think saying "she only reads fairytales" is a stupid thing to say when your trying to tell people Belle isn't the smartest one. That's what this article is about.

princesslullaby My guess is Belle does only read mainly fairy-tales, but the occasional other genre. But yeah, I don't see how reading fairy-tales would give an indication of intelligence either way.

KataraLover I love that Belle reads fairy-tales and it's one of the reasons I like her. But I just don't think that sayings she's the smartest just because she reads, fairy-tales aren't meant to be educational, they're meant to make us happy. I don't think she's that smart. But I do know how she feels, I like to read my fairy-tales and other books to escape the stupidity of my town.

MrsEmmaPeel I love your article. I agree 100% and this is how I feel about Belle as well. I'm glad to see someone written an article on it. Great job.

Swanpride @princesslullaby Believe me, when you're addicted to books you will read anything you get your hands on. Since Belle doesn't has the luxury we have, she can't afford to be choosy. But yeah, I don't think that she is necessarily the smartest - there is first Mulan (who seems to be some sort of genius at times), then Rapunzel (who seems to be multitalented) and then Belle - but not because she happens to read (though it does play a part in it), but because she outsmarts Gaston (admittingly an easy thing to do), Cogsworth and Lumiere, and has the ability to beat the beast with words quite easily.

princesslullaby I don't think Rapunzel is all that smart, she makes a lot of dumb decisions. But, it depends on what kind of smart you think is the smartest. And I still think Jasmine is very smart, although lately I've knocked her down to #2 for a couple of less-than-smart things.

Swanpride I don't think that Rapunzel makes dumb decision, not when you consider the information she bases the decision on. It's easy to say that you would know better when you see the whole picture, but the question is, would you be as smart as she is in her situation? First outwitting Eugene (who isn't stupid himself), forcing him to bring her to the lights, and later figuring out Mother Gothel on her own? The only dumb thing she does is not keeping an eye on her, but that's the woman she has known as her loving mother her whole life. But I'm also impressed that she studied astronomy and chartered stars on her own. Jasmine on the other hand - well, she says that she is a fast learner, but if that's true, how did she manage to walk across the market without picking up on the simple concept of "you have to pay for what you take"? Why doesn't she pick up on the fact that it's nearly impossible that Aladdin was already killed when she reaches Jafar, and totally impossible that he was killed for kidnapping her, since nobody know that she even was with him? (and why doesn't she stay close to him to make sure that he is okay?) Why doesn't she notice Jafar hypnotising her father - Aladdin picks up on it nearly immediatly. For someone as cunning as her, she isn't perceptive at all!(And face-blind, but that seems to be some sort of desease in that movie).

ivebeendreaming I agree 100% with this article. I actually only read fairytales. It truly is an escape from everyday life. And I think I live in a pretty boring town. There's nothing magical about it. I miss living in New Jersey where there were big romantic victorian houses everywhere and real trees. Now I live in Arizona in the middle of the desert. There's no snow, no magic, and I don't really like any of the guys here. Everything is stereotypical and a year behind in fashion. Everyone acts the same (within their social groups) so there's no creativity. In fact, a lot of people are pretty judgmental when it comes to differences. Most people wear Abercrombie and Hollister tops with jeans and Vans or Toms every day. Even the Emos and Scenes are all exactly the same. I remember on the first day of 8th grade a few years ago I dressed up. And when I say "dressed up" I was wearing a babydoll style top with a skirt and leggings. The few friends I had at the time asked me why I was so dressed up. At least I'm a little different. But I feel like Belle most of the time. I have friends but most of them are like everyone else.

princesslullaby ^SEE? NEW JERSEY IS A MAGICAL, WONDERFUL LAND <3

hisblueeyes ^...I never said it was bad.

princesslullaby ^....I never said that you said that...??

heathersvan I agree with you that Belle's reading was the only place she could escape to her dreams, but I don't think that makes her any smarter. Nice article, though! Lot's of thought put it.

heathersvan @ivebeendreaming: YES! New Jersey is amazing! I love it around here ^_^

pretty_angel92 you have a good point, i read tons of fairytales and i actually consider myself a smart person. i just find it stupid how people's explanation is always "oh, she reads". that doesn't mean anything. i know a lot of people who likes to read but they're still pretty dumb. and it's frustrating to see belle always winning these kind of picks(with the exception of mulan), when rapunzel doesn't and she also reads. so what's the explanation now? simple, most of them are just being biased. i'm not saying that rapunzel makes smarter decisions, but she certainly seems to know more about general culture. she reads about botany, geology, math...

PrincessAyeka12 100% Agree with you! Reading this made me realise I'm so much like Belle.

magicfairydust Love this article! and yes, you make a very good point. :D

FlightofFantasy Good article! I never understand why adults who read fairy tales are looked down upon. I love fairy tales, always have. They are what got me into reading, into fantasy, into mythology. They were the first books I was able to read on my own, without help. Basically, they helped shape who I am. I'm now in my 20s and am a proud, unabashed fairy tale fan. I'm a fan of the "original" fairy tales (although it's basically impossible to say what the original version of any folk tale is) and of Disney's fairy tales, and I always will be. Is it a form of escapism? Yes. So is any fiction. There's nothing wrong with that. And yet adults who still love fairy tales are treated as if they're naive, or idiots, or children. I've found you actually get a lot more out of fairy tales when you revisit them as an adult. You pick up on things you never did as a child. Some might be negative (sexism, racism, etc.), but even that presents a fascinating opportunity to learn about the culture and society of the time. After all, fairy tales are really mirrors that reflect the cultural attitudes of their time. That's why they change over time, because societal attitudes change over time. What was once acceptable is now unacceptable. What was once unacceptable is now acceptable. Fairy tales are not only beautiful and magical, they are also a great learning experience and a way to introduce you to different cultures, peoples and historical periods. There's nothing childish or immature about that.

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Sexuality and ディズニー Princess Movies: An Opinion and Analysis

posted by secretleaving

Please Note: This is a mature subject matter. If you're uncomfortable feel free not to read.

This is my first time 書く an 記事 on ファンポップ as well as on the topic of ディズニー but I have in fact written comprehensive 記事 about the place sexuality holds in American society so I at least can claim to know my facts fairly well. This is a break down on movie によって movie basis exploring the sexual tones, または what I can pull since these are really films for kids, of not only the princess but also the prince as well as a few characters on the side. Let's go in chronological order!

Snow White and...

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Walt ディズニー壁紙 - Princess Ariel

added by IsisRain

Source: ディズニー

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Real Belle

added by Princess_Belle_

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赤ちゃん

added by aizakhan16

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A Complete 一覧 of Animated/CGI ディズニー Princesses

posted by GypsyMarionette

Okay I'm trying to make a complete 一覧 of all ディズニー Princesses. To make this 一覧 the ディズニー girl must be either born royalty または she marries royalty. (So while ムーラン is awesome, she doesn't make the cut) This is to include all princesses not just leading ladies.
If あなた see one is not on the 一覧 please comment.

Born Royalty
-Adella (King Triton's Daughter)
-Alana (King Triton's Daughter)
-Andrina (King Triton's Daughter)
-Aquata (King Triton's Daughter)
-Ariel
-Arista (King Triton's Daughter)
-Atta (A Bug's Life)
-Attina (King Triton's Daughter)
-Aurora
-Dot (A Bug's Life)
-Eilonwy (The Black Cauldron...

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The story of the mermaid princess Ariel

posted by moulan

This film tells the story of a sixteen 年 old mermaid Ariel who is dissatisfied greatly with her life under the sea. Paying no attention to the warnings of her father, King Triton, and the court musician, the カニ Sebastian, Ariel and her best friend, ヒラメ the 魚 frequently reach the surface of the ocean, and with the help of the goofy seagull named Scuttle, they collect human artifacts.

Regardless of her awareness of the forbidden contact between humans and sea people, Ariel strives to become part of the human world. Hiding in her secret cave, Ursula, who has been looking for a chance...

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Walt ディズニー画像 - ディズニー Princesses

added by PrincessFairy

Source: ディズニー

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How The Live Version Of The Little Mermaid Changed Things For me

posted by elsafan1010

She's the perfect Ariel! (ESPECIALLY in personality)

Since I've been a ファン of this club, I never had been keen on Ariel even though she has a magical movie and she's the only mermaid in the lore. However, The live version of the cartoon that came out in September, 2023 changed everything. But also, keep in mind that I changed and my opinions also have. I have to make up a new 一覧 of my fav princesses because god- ITS ALL MIXED UP AGAIN! Also, I remember arguing about Ariel's appearance with wavesurf in this club and I told him/her that she was pretty ugly, while my opinions are switched. I 愛 her huge eyes and bright red hair もっと見る than ever...

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Walt ディズニー画像 - ディズニー Princess アイコン on ディズニー Plus

added by JaDangerz

Source: Disney/Pixar

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10 Princesses with the Logo

added by gitanita

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The ディズニー Princesses' お気に入り Authors and Genres!

posted by MaidofOrleans

PrincessAyeka12 gave me the fabulous idea of coming up with what 本 and authors each princess would like to read. We already know that Belle's a bookworm, but what would the other princesses spend hours flipping through, totally ロスト to the outside world? I had a lot of fun with this article, since I 愛 reading. I've read at least one book from most of these authors, although not all of them. All credit for this idea goes to PrincessAyeka12! All 画像 made によって me.

Snow White

I get the distinct feeling that Snow would just adore classic children's 本 such as Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures...

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Fanpop's お気に入り Scenes from The Little Mermaid.

posted by PrueFever

Hello, I'm PrueFever, a 32 years old guy from Denmark and a Major ディズニー Fan! My all-time お気に入りディズニー Movie is The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney's 28th full-lenght animated classic from 1989. I just 愛 all the characters in the movie, the songs, the score and the animation. I grew up with Mermaid, it was the first ディズニー Movie I saw, so there's definitely nostalgic reasons as well, I'm not gonna deny that! I can always watch the movie and my mood goes up 100%! It never fails to amaze me. Also, the voice actors in this movie is spetacular! Jodi Benson is great as Ariel and even greater as...

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ディズニー Princess Fashion Personality Styles

posted by laylastepford

So as some of あなた may have read, and if not then I highly recommend(!), my link. In that article, I mentioned a website called link which helped me a lot with understanding dominant characteristics relative to seasons. This site also provided a little Fashion Style Quiz! So, I couldn't help myself but to try and put myself in each of the DP's shoes and take the クイズ for each DP to see what style they'd get. I humbly do believe the results came out fairly accurate but I'd 愛 to hear what あなた guys think!

I listed each ディズニー Princess in accordance with their dominant fashion persona. They all...

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ディズニー Princess Color によって Seasons Theory

posted by laylastepford

12 Season Color Wheel

So I never really got to experience much of fashion-culture growing up and have just recently begun to give it any focus または attention. I have heard of the rule that "Redheads shouldn't wear pink." and I have seen some people discuss this here on FanPop in terms of Ariel and her ピンク dress. I have also read many コメント debating Aurora's famous "Blue vs. ピンク Dress". In those discussions, I heard a talented user on this site, link say things like "She's a Winter." etc. I thought that was so fascinating! I had never heard of this concept before so I decided to look into it. That is how I came...

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Ariel With Snow White's Hair

added by sweetie-94

Source: Leonora Epstein@Buzzfeed

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Once Upon A Time Princesses

added by Arsalanistan

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Snow White

added by tiffany88

Source: tiffany88

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Which Prince has the biggest package? Countdown Results

posted by dimitri_

Please note that this is a countdown where we users make a lot of assumptions and don't provide proof of anything. This is for the amusement so please don't kill the fun :)

11. Prince
The Prince from Snow White comes in last place, can't say I'm stunned. At that time, ディズニー animators haven't mastered drawing male characters yet so I'm guessing what's underneath isn't HD quality either. He's also quite feminine looking, petite frame with soft edges. No worries though, Snow White loves his man for his huuuuuuuge ハート, 心 :)

10. Charming
Nope, still not quite there with drawing men. Charming...

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Rapunzel

added by tiffany88

Source: tiffany88

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Analysis of アナスタシア Tremaine

posted by KataraLover

We all know the step-sister from シンデレラ that ends up reforming in the sequels. However, many people seem to have criticisms about her because they feel that she shouldn't have been forgiven によって Cinderella, there was nothing to 表示する that she deserved to be redeemed, and that it's ridiculous that she got to be redeemed but Drizella didn't. First of all, I think I need to explain where this idea of アナスタシア reforming came from. In the original Charles Perrault version of Cinderella, Cinderella's real name was actually Ella. When she became a servant she would sleep によって the fireplace to keep...