"Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast" by Robin McKinley explores the theme of transformation and redemption. The narrative focuses on Beauty, a compassionate young woman, and her relationship with the Beast, who is cursed and misunderstood. The story delves into how compassion and love can change even the most beastly of hearts, raising the question of whether true nature can be altered through understanding.

Throughout the tale, Beauty’s journey highlights that appearances can be deceiving and that inner worth is what truly matters. The quote, "Cannot a Beast be tamed?" encapsulates this idea, reflecting on the possibility of change brought by genuine connection. As Beauty seeks to find the truth behind the Beast’s fearsome exterior, both characters reveal their vulnerabilities and grow from their experiences together.