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Apuleius writes Cupid and Psyche
During the mid 2nd century AD, Apuleius wrote Cupid and Psyche, which was part of the Latin novel 'Metamorphoses'. The themes of Cupid and Psyche, like the beast bridgroom, serves as the basis for Beauty and the Beast. -
Madame d'Aulnoy begins writing fairytales.
Over the next 13 years, Madame d'Aulnoy wrote several fairytales including 'The Ram' and 'The Green Serpent'. These tales exposed the corrupt behaviour of the aristocracy. -
Madame de Villeneuve writes 'La Belle et la Bete'.
Madame de Villeneuve elaborated on Madame d'Aulnoy's tales. In her fairytales, Beauty's beauty is reflected in her virtuous and dutiful behaviour. de Villeneuve's tale was intended for private reading, rather than in salons. This version of 'Beauty and the Beast' would serve as the basis for Madame le Prince de Beaumont's fairytale. -
Madame le Prince de Beaumont writes 'La Belle et la Bete'.
Madame le Prince de Beaumont began writing 'La Belle et la Bete' when she was a governess. The aim of the fairytale was to instl good manners and etiquette into young girls. Although she was regarded as a 'feminist reformer', Madame le Prince de Beaumont did not attempt to change society's patriarchal values. For example, because of Beauty's obedience and compassion, she is rewarded with a perfect husband. This led to the reward of being moved up the social hierarchy to the aristocracy. -
The feminist movement begins.
The feminist movement started in the 1960's. It aimed to liberate women from stereotypes and grant them positions, like blue-collar jobs and political jobs, that were previously reversed for men. It supported an egalitarian society undivided by factors like race and gender. -
'Beauty and the Beast' is released.
On November 13 1991, Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' was released and grossed $425 million.
