Disney Villains: Happily Never After Gaston
#2 of 14 in After Happily Ever After Series
on Goodreads (90)
What’s inside...
The book explores the story of Gaston, a popular character from Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast,' delving into his past and the events that shaped him into the person he becomes. This young adult fiction provides a unique perspective on a well-known villain, offering readers insight into his motivations and the struggles he faces. Gaston is a sick and frail young man, and with a family who often mock him for his supposed weaknesses, his life moves from one miserable moment to the next. One day, while out exploring, Gaston is attacked, only to be saved by a young witch called Agatha. Little by little, the pair fall in love, neither of them having felt before the happiness they do when they're together. But with outside forces and their tempestuous natures to contend with, will their love be able to last?
Discussion points
Why do you think Gaston wanted to be the best in the village?
How do the other characters react to Gaston's actions? What does that tell us about how we should treat others?
What would you do if you met someone like Gaston? How would you handle the situation?
Can you think of ways Gaston could change his behavior to be a better person?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore 'Disney Villains: Happily Never After Gaston' with your child, focus on understanding Gaston’s motivations and actions. Encourage your child to express their thoughts on how the story could be different if Gaston made better choices. Relate the scenarios to real-life situations to help your child grasp the consequences of different behaviors. Most importantly, emphasize the values of kindness and humility through Gaston's contrasting actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of humility
Explanation: In the story, Gaston's arrogance and sense of superiority lead to his downfall, teaching readers about the negative consequences of being overly proud.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of modesty and the importance of treating others as equals, which can foster more respectful and cooperative interactions in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Understanding consent
Explanation: Gaston repeatedly ignores Belle's disinterest and discomfort, highlighting the importance of respecting others' boundaries and choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of seeking permission and respecting the personal space and decisions of others, which is crucial for developing healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Gaston's deceptive tactics to win Belle's heart backfire, showing that dishonesty can lead to loss of trust and respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty and building trust in their relationships, which are fundamental values for interacting with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Perseverance versus obsession
Explanation: While Gaston's determination is initially seen as a positive trait, it morphs into a harmful obsession, teaching the fine line between healthy ambition and destructive behavior.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the value of setting healthy goals and knowing when to take a step back, which is important for their mental well-being and personal growth.