Meaning: This quote is from the fairy tale "Bluebeard" by Charles Perrault. The story was first published in 1697 as part of Perrault's collection of fairy tales. "Bluebeard" tells the tale of a wealthy and powerful man who has been married several times. His wives mysteriously disappear, and the story revolves around the curiosity of his latest wife who discovers the dark secrets hidden within his castle.

The quote specifically refers to the young daughter of a gentleman, who is described as possessing rare goodness and sweetness of temper, inherited from her mother, who is portrayed as the best creature in the world. This quote serves as an introduction to the character of the young daughter and provides insight into her nature and upbringing.

In the context of the story, the mention of the young daughter is significant as it sets the stage for the events that unfold. Her portrayal as being of rare goodness and sweetness of temper contrasts with the sinister and foreboding nature of the tale, foreshadowing the innocence and vulnerability that will be tested as the story progresses.

The character of the young daughter, as depicted in the quote, aligns with the traditional portrayal of virtuous and kind-hearted heroines in fairy tales. Perrault's use of such characterization reflects the moral and didactic purpose of his fairy tales, as they often served as cautionary tales for children, imparting moral lessons through the experiences of the characters.

Furthermore, the mention of the young daughter's resemblance to her mother, who is described as the best creature in the world, underscores the importance of maternal influence and lineage in shaping the character's attributes. This emphasis on inherited traits and the nurturing influence of the mother aligns with the prevailing cultural and societal values of Perrault's time, where the role of mothers in shaping the moral and emotional development of their children was highly regarded.

Perrault's portrayal of the young daughter as inheriting rare goodness and sweetness of temper from her mother also reflects the idealization of female virtue and maternal influence in traditional fairy tales. This idealization is often contrasted with the malevolent and sinister characters, such as Bluebeard, who embody the antithesis of these virtuous qualities.

In conclusion, the quote from Charles Perrault's "Bluebeard" provides a glimpse into the character of the young daughter, setting the stage for the moral and narrative dynamics that unfold in the fairy tale. It underscores the traditional themes of virtue, maternal influence, and inherited traits that are prevalent in fairy tales and serves as an entry point into the moral and didactic dimensions of the story.