Popular Culture Review Vol. 10, No. 2, August 1999 | Page 88

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Popular Culture Review

kicks, and otherwise inflicts bodily harm on men he wishes to influence.
Just as Gaston and Belle demonstrate the degrees of effectiveness of
different bases of power, they also demonstrate the effectiveness of differing prob
lem solving techniques. When resolving conflicts, Gaston resorts to a competi
tive stance. Whereas model leaders approach conflict resolution with numerous
problem solving skills—accommodation, compromise, and mutual problem solv
ing tactics—Gaston relies only on his strength and brutality in confrontation. His
solution is to kill or severely injure his opponent, be it man or beast. Belle,
lacking the physical size and demeanor to coerce others into seeing her view
point, relies on other tactics. Not wanting to hurt or embarrass Gaston, she wards
off Gaston’s amorous advances by avoiding him in the marketplace or by ex
plaining, “I really don’t deserve you.” When her father is held hostage by the
Beast, she acknowledges the Beast’s authority by negotiating to serve as the pris
oner if the Beast will release her father. Although she is usually successful in
resolving the conflict and in preserving the feelings of the one with whom she is
in conflict, she never feels confident enough to rely on mutual problem solving.
Indeed, the only characters with whom Belle exemplifies equality or influence
are the non-human characters of the castle: Mrs. Potts (the teapot), Lumiere (the
candlestick), and Cogsworth (the clock), among others. At times she is able to
influence the Beast, but this influence occurs only as he falls in love with her, and
presumably, allows her to influence him.
The main leadership statement is made at the end of the film when the
Beast integrates within himself the honorable masculine attributes of Gaston and
the effective feminine attributes of Belle. When he overpowers Gaston (the real
beast of the film) he eradicates from within himself the darker sides of leader
ship— selfishness, coercive power, and domination—all attributes demonstrated
by Gaston. When he learns to love Belle, he embraces attributes of Belle—
selflessness, learning (as depicted by his large library), responsibility for others,
and the ability to see a conflict through the eyes of another. The Beast emerges as
a kind, sensitive, and feeling creature who has the courage to fight for just causes
(in this case, the love of Belle and the well-being of his castlemates). As the
integration of these masculine and feminine attributes occurs within the Beast,
the spell is broken and he is transformed into his higher princely self The castle
is returned to its original beauty, his castlemates regain their humanity, and the
prince is restored to rightful leadership.
In summary, this film delivers the message that leadership is a privilege
granted to those who successfully overcome their base natures and raw desires
for power, and cultivate a sensitive concern and appreciation for others. Leader
ship resides in those who pursue intellectual understanding and do not isolate
themselves in a make-believe world, who develop vision to see beyond outward