In The Beast Within: A Tale of Beauty’s Prince, we gain deeper insight into the backstory of Beauty and the Beast, particularly about a key character named Circe.
Circe and the Prince
Circe is a beautiful girl who is initially engaged to the protagonist, the Prince. However, their relationship is tumultuous, marked by revelations of Circe’s humble background as the daughter of a poor pig farmer and eventual disclosure of her being the offspring of a royal family of witches.
The Curse
The turning point in the story comes when the Prince, misled about Circe’s lineage, decides to break off their engagement which sparks Circe and her three older sisters – Ruby, Martha, and Lucinda to cast a spell on the Prince. The curse transforms him into a beast unless he finds and reciprocates true love before his 21st birthday.
Circe’s True Intentions
Interestingly, Circe does not relish in the Prince’s anguish. She illuminates the finer details of the curse to the Prince, advising him about its conditions. As the story unfolds, it’s seen that she tries her best to give the Prince a chance to determine his own future, as either Prince or Beast, contrary to her sisters, who conspire to lead him towards a bestial fate.
The Role of Beauty “Belle”
Belle’s relationship with the Prince significantly impacts events. When Belle is captured and encounters the now more-beast-than-human Prince, it initially seems like the curse is irreversible. However, moments of vulnerability shared between Belle and the Beast, incited by the sisters’ actions, foster compassion.
This eventually leads to them falling in love.
Fateful Confrontation
The climax involves a dramatic confrontation on the roof of the Beast’s castle, involving Gaston, the Beast, Belle, and the sisters casting spells. This results in the revelation of Circe’s disapproval of her sisters’ meddling.
Breaking the Curse
She revives the Beast who reverts into the Prince. This profound action from Circe surges a wave of change, restoring the castle and all the servants to their natural forms. Ultimately, Circe watches as the Prince and Belle dance together, leading to the traditional “happily ever after”.
Conclusions
In essence, Circe serves as a catalyst in the “Beauty and the Beast” narrative. Despite being scorned by the one she loved, she attempts to provide the Prince with the opportunity for redemption. In this, her actions are influential in shaping the tale as we know it today. Undoubtedly, Circe’s character in “The Beast Within” provides a nuanced and enriching layer to the classic Beauty and the Beast fable.