Talking names (metaphor)
The main metaphor presented in the tale is the metaphor of the names of both of the characters – Beauty and the Beast. This kind of metaphor is called antonomasia, or “talking names”. The principle of identification of the people with the traits of their characters which are the most important in them, in this way these certain traits become the main characteristics of the individuals. Beauty is called so because she was very beautiful – so her appearance, her main trait, becomes her actual name. The same with the Beast, since being ugly and monster-like he is somewhat naturally called "Beast."
Persons of quality (metaphor)
Beauty’s sisters considered themselves very important as they were rich. This gave them a lot of pride, they behaved very arrogantly, “gave themselves ridiculous airs, and would not visit other merchants' daughters, nor keep company with any but persons of quality”. Under the phrase persons of quality other rich people are meant. Beauty’s sisters were really narrow-minded, and could not comprehend the real values of life.
Fred to death (metaphor)
Having already spent three months in the palace of the Beast, Beauty was not miserable; she even enjoyed in some way the company of her new friend. But there was one thing that made her really unhappy, in her magic looking-glass, where she could peep her father, she saw that he was really sick and wanted to see and comfort him. She said this to the Beast about this wish, and that she “would fret to death, if you refuse me that satisfaction." Fred to death is a metaphorical expression, meaning that it would bring her a lot of emotional pain.
