Hans Christian Andersen

Paper Summary:

Discusses the life of the Danish author and his influence on children's literature. His fairy tales ("The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Ugly Ducking" & many others). Andersen's unique writing style. How his self-perception as an outsider impacted on the themes of his fairy tales. His use of oral narrative. Gives specific examples.

From the Paper:

"Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805 at Odense, Denmark. Although he attended two different schools at Odense, he did not complete his schooling until he was given state funding to attend Slagelse State Grammar School in 1822. Six years later, he passed his university examinations (Spink 117-8).
With the publication of his first novel, The Improvisatore, Andersen also published his first set of fairy tales containing "The Tinder Box," "Little Claus and Big Claus," "The Princess and the Pea" and "Little Ida's Flowers" in 1835 (Spink 53). From 1837 onwards, Andersen published his fairy tales in annual volumes. On August 4, 1875, he died at a summer villa near Copenhagen after suffering several years from liver cancer (Spink 117-8; "Chronology of HCA's Life")."

More papers on Hans Christian Andersen:

• Analytical Essay # 27572 : "Hans Christian Andersen"
• Analytical Essay # 87243 : "Bluebeard" and "The Ugly Duckling"
• Analytical Essay # 52966 : "The Steadfast Tin Soldier"

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