The irony is multifaceted:
* The Beast's powerlessness: The Beast, who initially holds all the power in the narrative, is ultimately revealed to be a victim of societal constructs and his own self-destructive tendencies. He is not a powerful, terrifying creature, but rather a fragile man consumed by self-doubt and a need for control, ironically resulting in his own imprisonment and suffering. This directly contradicts the traditional image of a powerful, albeit flawed, male figure.
* Beauty's agency and transformation: The "Beauty" character, while initially appearing passive, undergoes a significant transformation, demonstrating a far greater agency and self-awareness than her fairytale counterpart. She actively participates in her own liberation, moving beyond the prescribed role of a passive recipient of a prince's love. However, this agency is ironically intertwined with a degree of manipulation and a willingness to utilize the patriarchal systems that initially oppressed her.
* The rejection of romantic love: The love story is not a happily-ever-after. The "happy ending" is built upon the Beast's surrender of his power and the exploitation of his vulnerability by Beauty, who uses her own charm and manipulation to reshape him and the relationship according to her own desires. This subverts the traditional notion of romantic love as a naturally occurring, fulfilling force.
In essence, the irony lies in the deconstruction of the very tropes and expectations the fairy tale establishes. The story plays with our expectations, revealing the darkness and power imbalances hidden beneath the surface of the romantic fairytale, demonstrating how seemingly idyllic relationships can be built upon manipulation and exploitation.