The quote emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over external appearances. It suggests that the Beast, despite his daunting exterior, was truly kind-hearted, while the Prince reflected a superficial beauty that masked his true nature. This highlights how societal perceptions can often cloud one's judgment, causing people to overlook the goodness within others.
Furthermore, the quote discusses the challenge of seeing beyond outward appearances, noting that an appreciation for a person's inner character often requires familiarity and understanding. It implies that not everyone has developed the ability to "hear the music," or recognize the deeper essence of individuals, emphasizing a disconnect that can exist in human relationships.