Once upon a time, there was a wealthy merchant who lived in a grand house with his three daughters. The two older daughters were vain and selfish, caring only about beautiful clothes and jewelry. But the youngest daughter, Belle, was kind, gentle, and loved reading books more than anything else. One day, the merchant received terrible news that all his ships had been lost at sea. The family lost everything and had to move to a small cottage in the countryside. The older sisters complained bitterly about their new life, but Belle worked hard without a single complaint. After many months, the merchant heard that one of his ships had actually survived and returned to port. He prepared to travel to the city to collect his goods and asked his daughters what gifts they wanted. The older sisters demanded expensive dresses and precious jewels. Belle asked only for a single red rose, as none grew near their cottage. Unfortunately, when the merchant arrived in the city, he discovered that all his goods had been stolen. With a heavy heart, he began the long journey home through the dark forest. A terrible storm arose, and the merchant became completely lost. Just when he thought he would die in the cold, he saw lights through the trees. He followed the lights and found himself at the gates of a magnificent castle. The gates opened by themselves, and he entered the castle to find shelter. Inside, he found a warm fire, delicious food, and a comfortable bed, but no people anywhere. The next morning, the sun was shining and the merchant decided to leave. As he walked through the garden, he saw the most beautiful roses he had ever seen. Remembering Belle's wish, he picked a single red rose from a bush. Suddenly, a terrifying creature appeared before him with a loud roar. It was a beast with the body of a man but the face and claws of a monster. 'I gave you food and shelter, and you repay me by stealing my roses!' the Beast shouted angrily. The merchant fell to his knees and begged for mercy, explaining that the rose was for his daughter. 'I will spare your life on one condition,' said the Beast. 'You must send one of your daughters to live here in your place, or you must return yourself in three days.' The merchant returned home with a heavy heart and told his daughters what had happened. The older sisters immediately blamed Belle, saying it was her fault for asking for a rose. But Belle did not blame anyone and quietly announced that she would go to the Beast's castle. 'I cannot let my father die because of me,' she said bravely. Despite her father's protests, Belle traveled to the Beast's castle. When she arrived, she expected to find a dark and frightening place. Instead, she found a beautiful room filled with books and fresh flowers prepared just for her. That evening, the Beast came to have dinner with her. Belle was frightened at first, but she noticed that the Beast spoke to her politely and kindly. Every night, the Beast would join her for dinner and they would talk for hours. The Beast asked her about the books she was reading and listened carefully to her thoughts. At the end of every dinner, the Beast would ask Belle the same question. 'Belle, will you marry me?' he would ask hopefully. And every night, Belle would gently refuse, saying she saw him only as a friend. The Beast always accepted her answer without anger, though sadness filled his eyes. As the months passed, Belle found herself enjoying the Beast's company more and more. She discovered that beneath his frightening appearance, he had a gentle and intelligent soul. They would walk together in the beautiful gardens and talk about everything. One day, Belle asked the Beast if she could see her family, as she missed them terribly. The Beast looked sad but agreed to let her go for one week. 'Please promise me you will return,' he begged her. 'If you do not return within a week, I fear I shall die of grief.' Belle gave him her word and traveled home with a magic mirror that would show her the Beast whenever she wished. Her father was overjoyed to see her, and they spent happy days together. But her jealous sisters were not happy to see Belle looking so well. They came up with a wicked plan to make her stay longer than the promised week. They pretended to be so sad about her leaving that Belle felt guilty and stayed a few extra days. On the tenth night, Belle looked into the magic mirror and saw something that made her heart stop. The Beast was lying on the ground in the garden, barely breathing. Belle immediately rushed back to the castle as fast as she could. She found the Beast lying among the roses, cold and still. 'Please do not die!' Belle cried, holding him in her arms. 'I thought you had forgotten me,' the Beast whispered weakly. 'I could never forget you,' Belle said through her tears. 'I realize now that I love you with all my heart.' As soon as she spoke these words, a magical light surrounded them both. The Beast began to transform before her eyes. His claws became hands, his fur disappeared, and his face changed into that of a handsome young prince. 'Who are you?' Belle asked in amazement. The prince smiled and said, 'I am the Beast you learned to love.' 'Many years ago, an enchantress put a spell on me because I was cruel and selfish.' 'Only true love could break the curse, and you have freed me with your love.' Belle and the prince were married in a grand ceremony, and her father came to live with them in the castle. And they all lived happily ever after, proving that true beauty lies within the heart.
English Story (B1)Beauty and the Beast
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
A merchant's daughter named Belle sacrifices herself to save her father by living with a terrifying Beast. Through kindness and patience, Belle discovers the Beast's gentle heart, and her love breaks a curse, transforming him back into a prince.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did the merchant's family have to move to a small cottage?
2
What gift did Belle ask her father to bring her?
3
What was the Beast's condition for sparing the merchant's life?
4
What broke the curse on the Beast?
Vocabulary
47 words from this story
