"Tale as Old as Time"
I'm not entirely sure what it was that originally made me fall in love with this classic tale. I think I watched the Disney version of it so much that my family was ready to throw it out the window. I know every line and verse in the songs. But... is that truly the story? Is it really just dancing teapots and talking candelabras, inventive fathers and book-reading daughters, a handsome fiend and a miserable beast?
I think not.
"There must be more than this provincial life!" - er, story.
In my research I have found many, many tales that seem to point back to this story line. While not all are outright variations, many have small elements that the later versions may have very easily drawn upon for influence. This is the very process of literary evolution, from word of mouth to the written word stories have been shared, treasured, and recorded, but I digress.
I believe that time and place are very heavy factors in the changing of stories as well. Culture and environment influence quite heavily on every aspect of like, not just literature, which is why it is so important when considering the evolution of a tale. The characters, situations, and idea change on the time in history the story takes place, the time it is written, and the people both in character and as authors. This is why I wish to start this journey from one of the early sources: Greece.
(http://moviegifss.tumblr.com/post/4167066754/far-off-places-daring-swordfights-magic-spells)
Word Count: 250
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