*applauds* Thank you SO MUCH for writing this. I think people, when they say Belle has Stockholm Syndrome, are usually (1) ignoring the movie's specifics for a summarized version of the story ("while a prisoner, Belle becomes fond of the Beast") and (2) ignoring the specifics of Stockholm Syndrome for a summarized version of it ("Stockholm Syndrome is when a prisoner becomes sympathetic toward their captor") to say "OMG Belle has Stockholm Syndrome!!!" which is frankly not true, unless you have a pretty radical interpretation of the story
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I agree - it's not exactly clear why Belle doesn't just ask the Beast to leave since they've become such good friends. But the way I see it, Belle is happier in the castle than she's probably ever been in her hometown: she has someone who understands her, as well as many friends, none of which judge her for her love of reading like those in the village did. Apart from maybe the librarian, I doubt Belle had even one friend back in her village. And as far as Belle knew, her father was safe and sound -- it's not until she sees how sick he is that she expresses a wish to leave.
Also, about the "love can change abusive guys" argument: Belle does not try to change the Beast when he's being an ass. She doesn't even put up with him. It's not until he starts to change that she gives him a chance. If girls read into that as "oh, if I stick around that abusive guy will change, right?"...they're missing the point of her character. Also, take Gaston: he remains an ass, and Belle is unmoving on her feelings of dislike for him.
Also, one must keep in mind that this story was originally intended for young women who were expected to consent to arranged marriages. In their case, having no choice, themes of love, change and seeing beyond the exterior were necessary.
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I agree - it's not exactly clear why Belle doesn't just ask the Beast to leave since they've become such good friends. But the way I see it, Belle is happier in the castle than she's probably ever been in her hometown: she has someone who understands her, as well as many friends, none of which judge her for her love of reading like those in the village did. Apart from maybe the librarian, I doubt Belle had even one friend back in her village. And as far as Belle knew, her father was safe and sound -- it's not until she sees how sick he is that she expresses a wish to leave.
Also, about the "love can change abusive guys" argument: Belle does not try to change the Beast when he's being an ass. She doesn't even put up with him. It's not until he starts to change that she gives him a chance. If girls read into that as "oh, if I stick around that abusive guy will change, right?"...they're missing the point of her character. Also, take Gaston: he remains an ass, and Belle is unmoving on her feelings of dislike for him.
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