In the book "Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast" by Robin McKinley, a conversation unfolds between Beauty and her father concerning the nature of the Beast. Beauty reflects on the Beast's fondness for roses, suggesting that this passion indicates he may not be entirely bad. Her father, however, expresses his hopelessness about the situation, labeling the Beast unchangeable. Beauty, aiming to console her father, poses the question of whether a Beast could be tamed, hinting at the possibility of redemption.

This exchange captures the central theme of the story: the struggle between external appearances and internal qualities. Beauty's optimism suggests that love and compassion can change even the most seemingly monstrous beings. The dialogue emphasizes the notion that understanding and kindness can potentially lead to transformation, thus revealing deeper truths about both the Beast and human nature itself.