Final answer:
The theme of 'Beauty and the Beast' revolves around love and inner beauty, reflected in the Beast's transformation and the bond he forms with Beauty. Motifs like the rose and the enchanted castle further emphasize these themes, contrasting with themes of betrayal or revenge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of 'Beauty and the Beast' is predominantly about love and inner beauty. This is evident through the transformation of the Beast which occurs not through external alterations, but through the development of his character and his relationship with Beauty. Love plays a central role as it is the catalyst for change and is what ultimately breaks the Beast's curse. Inner beauty is highlighted through the narrative's focus on the Beast's personality over his appearance and Beauty's ability to see beyond the superficial to recognize the true person beneath the Beast's exterior.
We also see the theme through recurring motifs such as the rose, which symbolizes both the fragility of life and the unfolding of love, as well as the Beast's enchanted castle, which reflects his isolation and the impact of inner transformation on one's environment. Contrary to themes of betrayal, revenge, wealth, or heroism, the story's point centers on the transformative power of love and the importance of looking beyond external appearances to a person's moral and emotional essence.