Below are some suggestions for what your essay might contain. However these are not prescriptive, feel free to develop your own response as much as possible.
You could:
Compare the openings of each story – you might explore the Winter setting and the use of snow as a symbol – how does the opening differ in feel and tone in each story? You may feel the first story seems much more romantic and fairy tale like whereas the second seems much harsher in tone.
Compare the character of Beauty in each story. Does she fit the Gothic female stereotype of a victim? To what extent is she objectified? Look at the change of narrative from 3rd and 1st person- why do you think Carter makes this change and what does is add to our view of Beauty?
How does the father figure compare in each story – does Carter change Gothic or fairy tale conventions through this character?
The setting of the Beast’s home. Compare and contrast each setting –inside and out. Does either seem like a fairy tale castle or fit the isolated castle of the Gothic? Carter often gives her settings a greater symbolism – what is symbolic in either setting?
Compare the supernatural character – the Beast - in each story, and the way Beauty feels about him. Does she feel scared by him in either story? What aspects of his character does she notice?
Compare and contrast the storyline of each story? Are there any differences in the events which take place? You might explore the card game, the use of gifts, the automaton and the horse ride in the second story.
Compare the endings of both stories – in particular the way that in the first, the Beast becomes a man and in the second, Beauty becomes a Beast. Discuss in detail these differences and the ways Carter changes the fairy tale and subverts the Gothic. Which ending do you prefer and why?
What do you think is the theme of each