1. Contrasts between appearance and reality pervade this novel. Examine the significance of the clothing worn by the Beast, the clothing worn by Beauty, and Beauty's attitudes toward the clothing she is given to wear in the castle.

2. Dreams are significant in this story.

Which characters have dreams? What do the dreams mean?

3. There is an ironic parallel between Beauty's love of animals and her relationship with the Beast. Even the birds that are banished from the castle come to eat the seeds which she puts out for them. Does her appreciation of animals make it easier or harder for her to consider the Beast's proposal of marriage?

4. When Beauty's family objects to her determination to live at the Beast's castle, she consoles them by saying that she will be able to "tame" the Beast.

Does she "tame" him?

5. What characteristics...