Reading notes: Andersen Fairy Tales, Unit A
I dearly love Hans Christian Andersen tales — I have a beautiful book somewhere at home that my dad gifted a few years ago with gorgeous illustrations accompanying the stories. I decided to read a few of his stories this week, so here are my favorites of the bunch:
The Emperor's New Suit
Maybe the emperor and his clothes could be updated for modern times — instead of being fashion-savvy, the emperor could be a tech-savvy businessman, always reaching for the latest gadget. The swindlers could be selling him some incredible new piece of technology that of course wouldn't actually exist or be functional. Being so eager to be in the know, the businessman would take them up on their offer, making a fool of himself in front of other industry leaders when he claims the technology is working and useful.
The Brave Tin Soldier
This story is very sad and sweet, and I think would be best retold from the tiny tin soldier's point of view. It need not tell the entire story — it would start with the soldier lying on the pavement beneath his owner's window, breaking the fourth wall and explaining to readers how he ended up there, then narrating as his adventures continue. I think it could conclude with the soldier's last thoughts as he watches the dancer flutter into the fire next to him in a bittersweet ending.
The Little Match Girl
This story has always been so sad to me, but I think the immense detail and description included is what makes it beautiful in the end. Still, I would like to see a happy ending for the match girl, since the story makes it clear that much of her life has been tragedy. Maybe as the match girl struggles in the cold, nearing death, a wealthy woman passing by in a carriage on her way to a party sees her and decides to take her in, providing her with a new life.
Bibliography: Fairy Tales and Stories by Hans Christian Andersen, translated by H. P. Paull (1872).
The Emperor's New Suit
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| "The Little Match Girl," by Anne Anderson. Source: Wikimedia. |
Maybe the emperor and his clothes could be updated for modern times — instead of being fashion-savvy, the emperor could be a tech-savvy businessman, always reaching for the latest gadget. The swindlers could be selling him some incredible new piece of technology that of course wouldn't actually exist or be functional. Being so eager to be in the know, the businessman would take them up on their offer, making a fool of himself in front of other industry leaders when he claims the technology is working and useful.
The Brave Tin Soldier
This story is very sad and sweet, and I think would be best retold from the tiny tin soldier's point of view. It need not tell the entire story — it would start with the soldier lying on the pavement beneath his owner's window, breaking the fourth wall and explaining to readers how he ended up there, then narrating as his adventures continue. I think it could conclude with the soldier's last thoughts as he watches the dancer flutter into the fire next to him in a bittersweet ending.
The Little Match Girl
This story has always been so sad to me, but I think the immense detail and description included is what makes it beautiful in the end. Still, I would like to see a happy ending for the match girl, since the story makes it clear that much of her life has been tragedy. Maybe as the match girl struggles in the cold, nearing death, a wealthy woman passing by in a carriage on her way to a party sees her and decides to take her in, providing her with a new life.
Bibliography: Fairy Tales and Stories by Hans Christian Andersen, translated by H. P. Paull (1872).
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