The pervasive theme of McKinley's novel is the inner nature of true beauty.

Integral to this theme is the contrast of appearance and reality. Interestingly, the principle of interior beauty applies equally to the maiden and the bestial figure she eventually marries. The heroine is named Honour at birth but later nicknamed Beauty. The nickname of Beauty is in fact ironic, since the heroine is plain and somewhat boyish looking, particularly when compared to her handsome sisters, Hope and Grace.

Her decision to live with the Beast in order to save her father's life, however, reveals an inner spiritual and moral strength. Similarly, the Beast, who is furred and clawed, turns out to be a gentle, caring, considerate, intelligent, and cultured individual.

Personal integrity is also important in this novel. For example, when the father agrees to return with his daughter to the Beast's...