story
Beauty and the Beast
Love that transforms a cursed or rejected figure.
Origin
Earliest known literary version by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1740), shortened by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1756). A merchant's daughter goes to live with a beastly figure in exchange for her father's freedom; her love breaks his curse.
Modern usage
Template for any 'love-redeems-the-rough-one' story. Used playfully in dating talk.
Tags
love
transformation