For students still trying to decode the clues, here are the meanings behind them. The first clue was, “While this story has been around for a long time, an early inspiration of the version we know can be found in the Young American.” The first time the story of Beauty and the Beast was published, it was the year 1740, in a book called Le Jeune Américain, which is French for The Young American.
The second clue is, “Though Lin-Manuel Miranda did not write this particular tale, one might say he has a historical or collaborative connection.” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s connection is that he went to high school with Alan Menken’s niece. Alan Menken is the composer of Beauty and the Beast, and Miranda has also studied under him. They are now collaborating on the live-action version of The Little Mermaid.
The third clue is, “This story has appeared in many forms. It has been a book, a play, a movie, a television program, a musical, and more.” Beauty and the Beast has been all of these, as well as inspiration for many books, movies, and games.
The fourth clue is, “There is an element of magic to this story; after all, it does come from the kingdom.” The story of Beauty and the Beast comes from the Magic Kingdom, meaning that it is a Disney production.
The last clue is, “By any other name, the “goosey marshlands” and “Tia’s salad omelet” would smell just as sweet.” The key to this clue is that “Goosey marshlands” and “Tia’s salad omelet” are anagrams. Unscrambled, they become the iconic phrases, “tale as old as time” and “song as old as rhyme.”
