Beauty and the Beast by Dinah Mulock

Name: Beauty and the Beast
Author: Dinah Mulock

A wealthy merchant with six children faces ruin and moves his family to a humble cottage. The youngest daughter, known for her beauty and kindness, is contrasted with her vain sisters. When the merchant attempts to bring back a rose for her, he is confronted by a fearsome beast who demands that one of his daughters come to live with him in exchange for the merchant's life. The youngest daughter selflessly offers herself, believing it is better than her father suffering. At the beast's palace, she discovers a world of luxury and kindness, despite the beast's frightening appearance. Over time, she grows fond of him, appreciating his gentle nature, though she repeatedly refuses his marriage proposals. After a visit home, influenced by her jealous sisters, she delays her return, causing the beast to fall into despair. Realizing her love for him, she rushes back to find him dying. Her declaration of love breaks the enchantment, revealing the beast as a handsome prince cursed by a fairy. The story concludes with the prince and Beauty united, while her sisters are punished for their jealousy, turned into statues until they repent. The tale emphasizes the value of inner beauty and true love over superficial appearances.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1854 · Genre: Fairy Tales, Romance, Fantasy · 6,423 words

First lines

There was once a very rich merchant, who had six children, three boys and three girls. As he was himself a man of great sense, he spared no expense for their education. The three daughters were all handsome, but particularly the youngest; indeed, she was so very beautiful, that in her childhood every one called her the Little Beauty; and being equally lovely when she was grown up, nobody called her by any other name, which made her sisters very jealous of her. This youngest daughter was not only more handsome than her sisters, but also was better tempered. The two eldest were vain of their wealth and position. They gave themselves a thousand airs, and refused to visit other merchants' daughters; nor would they condescend to be seen except with persons of quality. They went every day to balls, plays, and public walks, and always made game of their youngest sister for spending her time in reading or other useful employments.

What this Textopian page supports

Beauty and the Beast is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dinah Mulock, dated 1854 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1854 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tales, Romance, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
Length: 6,423 words
Structure: 1 section, 76 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Beauty and the Beast by Dinah Mulock
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Beauty and the Beast?
How does this novel by Dinah Mulock fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fairy Tales first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tales — The book is a classic fairy tale involving magical elements such as an enchanted prince who is transformed into a beast.
Romance — The story majorly showcases the development of romantic feelings between Beauty and the Beast.
Fantasy — The entire premise of the story involves non-realistic and supernatural elements, thus fitting into the fantasy genre.
Children's Literature — The book is often associated with being a children's story due to its simple language, moral teaching, and magical elements.