Question: Several people have mentioned that the film makes a point of showing how Belle is the only literate person in her village. If that's the case then how does the village bookseller manage to stay in business? He couldn't possibly afford his shop and the collection of books he has if Belle is his only customer.
kristenlouise3
22nd Jan 2015
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Answer: As KristenLouise3 said, there is nothing to indicate that only Belle is literate. Several men, at least, could probably read. The book seller could sell to them, sell at a market somewhere, and the village might have some amount of travelers who pass through.
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Answer: There is no definite proof she is the only literate person in her town, but the people we do see are not as interested in books as Belle. There is no information as to how he keeps his book shop open, especially if he is willing to lend books to other people in the town.
kristenlouise3
It's not a "bookshop", it's a library. And it doesn't seem like he only lends books.