Final answer:
The story Beauty and the Beast describes physical beauty, exemplified by characters that fit traditional standards of attractiveness, and inner beauty, which is characterized by virtue and personality. It contrasts superficial attractiveness with the deeper, more meaningful aspects of one's character, and explores the societal and cultural influences on beauty standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story Beauty and the Beast, two types of beauty are primarily described: physical beauty and inner beauty. Characters within the narrative such as the beast and the character represented by Disney's Sleeping Beauty illustrate societal standards of what is considered physically attractive. However, the story also emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, as seen through the development of characters' virtues and qualities, particularly the Beast's transformation and the depth of Belle's character, revealing beauty that is not dependent on appearance.
These elements of beauty reflect on broader themes such as the subjective nature of beauty, the influence of culture on beauty standards, and the underlying moral messages that often accompany tales of transformation and virtue. The layering of both physical and inner beauty in the narrative serves to contrast superficial attractiveness with the deeper, more meaningful aspects of a person's character.
The comparison between these types of beauty is further enhanced by outside references, such as portrayals of female characters in Disney movies who transition from being princesses to queens through marriage, thus subtly suggesting that beauty also plays a role in social status and personal happiness.