Is the "perfect" life really so perfect?

In Beastly by Alex Flinn, the protagonist, Kyle Kingsbury is a popular, handsome, rich, perfect fourteen year old boy. He is given privilege because he is white and wealthy. In the beginning of the story, Kyle calls himself "special (2)," "exclusive (4)," and "a lot better than average looking" (10). He is pompous, but knows that his looks and social status provide him opportunities to be popular in his school. He recognizes that society values money and looks, and his father's job proves that theory. He tells the witch in class, "my dad's a network news guy. He says people shouldn't have to look at ugly people" (5). His father's favorite subject to talk to Kyle about was himself; there was nothing selfless about his father. Unfortunately, because Kyle's mother was not around, his only role model was his self-absorbed father who simply gave his son money as Kyle pleased.

Kyle's life changed for the better, ultimately, when a witch transformed him into an ugly beast. Kyle's life became one of isolation and loneliness. His father, desperate to get Kyle's looks back, spent time and money seeing physicians with Kyle, however to no avail. When it was obvious that Kyle was going to be ugly forever, his father bought him an isolated mansion and sent him to live in it with only a maid and blind tutor. Kyle quickly learned that in a society (and school environment) where physical appearance is so highly valued, that not even money can buy people's acceptance and true friendship.

In one chapter, Kyle decided to walk the streets and eavesdropped on his "old" friends at a party. He found that, even only hiding partially behind a bush, he was "invisible" (116). His best friend, Trey, even thought negatively of Kyle: "He always thought he was so big when he was here- Mr. My-Father-Reads-the-News...I'm glad that guy's gone" (117). After hearing this from a guy Kyle believed was a good friend, Kyle realized "it had all been a lie-my friends at Tuttle. My whole life" (118). From that very moment forward, Kyle developed and grew as a character. The light bulb turned on. As the novel continued, he looked for ways to better himself as a human being, rather than just a good looking blonde teenager. Money and good looks influenced the protagonist's entire existence until another character decided to change things up. And in the end, the witch's actions made Kyle a better person with a better character, and he even got back his better looks.