"Beauty and the Beast" is a type of animal-bridegroom story, with its roots in the myth of Cupid and Psyche. In that tale, there is a definite criticism of female curiosity, as Psyche is punished for disobeying her husband's stricture not to look at him.

In Madame le Prince de Beaumont's version, the story seems to teach young girls that the most intimidating of men might really be princes in disguise. In a culture in which arranged marriages were common, this was likely a reassuring message. Thus different versions of the story address different cultural concerns. McKinley has maintained de Beaumont's concept of inner beauty, but she has made her Beauty a more active figure. Hence, Rose Daughter teaches not only that appearances should not be trusted, but that one is responsible for one's destiny. Beauty does not wait around; she sets events in motion with...