Discovering the Inner Beauty of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast
Have you ever watched a film or read a book wherein the villain is not all that bad? That’s what we call a complex character, and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is the perfect example of one. On the surface, Gaston is a braggart, a bully, and an egomaniac who desires Belle merely as a trophy wife. But if you look deeper, you will realize that Gaston is much more than that. In this article, we will explore the inner beauty of Gaston and how he may not be the villain that we all thought he was.
The Persona of Gaston
From the moment we are introduced to Gaston, we see a man who is admired by all for his manliness and physical strength. He is the quintessential alpha male who thrives in his village because of his confidence, dominance, and good looks. However, what many fail to see is that Gaston is equally perceptive and intelligent. He may not be book smart, but his street smarts and instincts make him stand out from the rest. He can see through people’s motives and emotions, which is why he can read Belle even though she refuses to marry him.
The Insecurities of Gaston
One cannot ignore the fact that Gaston is flawed. He is obsessed with himself, and his egocentricity knows no bounds. However, this arrogance can be attributed to the insecurities that he faces. Gaston is not used to rejection, and when Belle refuses his proposal, he is confronted with feelings he cannot control. Instead of dealing with his emotions, he turns to anger and frustration, which leads him to plan Belle’s father’s imprisonment and eventually the Beast’s death.
The Humanity of Gaston
Even though Gaston may not be an ideal human being, one cannot deny the humanistic qualities that he possesses. Gaston risks his life to save his village and its inhabitants from a menacing beast. He charges into the castle, faces his fears, and tries to slay the beast to protect his people. This act shows that Gaston is not all about himself, and that he has a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility towards his community.
The Lessons from Gaston
Gaston has often been criticised for his vain and self-centered personality, but his character does provide some learning opportunities. For one, Gaston represents toxic masculinity and how one can get lost in one’s ego if they do not introspect. Moreover, Gaston’s character reminds us that we should not judge someone based on their outward behaviour as there may be more to them than what meets the eye.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gaston is a complex character that is often hated by many but is loved by some. His character teaches us to look beyond our biases and to try to understand the motives behind one’s behaviour. Gaston may not be perfect, but he is human, and like us, he too has his strengths and weaknesses. Let us not judge him solely based on his actions but also on the lessons that can be derived from his character.
