At least, that’s one way to analyse the tale – but is its meaning actually a little more complex than its straightforward plot, and seemingly straightforward moral, suggest? But what did he see in the clear stream below? His own image—no longer a dark-gray bird, ugly and disagreeable to look at, but a graceful and beautiful swan.

He later described attending school as being the most "bitter" and "darkest" experience of his life, as he said the schoolmaster bullied him, allegedly to "improve his character". He became depressed, but writing helped him to express himself and he blossomed into a swan when he became a popular published author. Speculation suggests that Andersen was the illegitimate son of Prince Christian Frederik (later King Christian VIII of Denmark), and found this out sometime before he wrote the book, and then that being a swan in the story was a metaphor not just for inner beauty and talent but also for secret royal lineage. [2]Brrr!” he said with both wings held close to his chest. “If only there was a place I could get dry.” This little story, which is beautiful illustrated by Jerry, is such a roadmap and a reminder for those people born in the family that rejects them, that there is a place out in the world with people like them where they can belong. There is a place of acceptance and a place to gracefully fly. I have seen it so many times. Gosh, I feel strong,” said the young bird, flapping his wings. “Why, I never felt as strong as I do right now!” Here are other books in the Hampster Early Readers Series which I have reviewed. Each title links to my review:

What a great world it is, to be sure,” said the little ones, when they found how much more room they had than when they were in the eggshell. And the end of the story is just perfect, making this one of the world's most uplifting and heartwarming tales. In my opinion it is Hans Christian Andersen's masterpiece. It has been translated into many languages and published around the world. It has become his most famous story. I think I will sit a little while longer,” said the mother. “I have sat so long, a day or two more won’t matter.” See,” cried the youngest, “there is a new one;” and the rest were delighted, and ran to their father and mother, dancing and clapping their hands and shouting joyously, “There is another swan come; a new one has arrived.” This is especially true in the LGBTQ community. It is getting better nowadays, but people are still rejected for who they are made to be and must go out and find their own family.Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary This classic story raises questions about bullying, discrimination, and the importance of being true to yourself. Delightful, indeed!" said the hen, "why you must be crazy! Ask the cat, he is the cleverest animal I know, ask him how he would like to swim about on the water, or to dive under it, for I will not speak of my own opinion; ask our mistress, the old woman- there is no one in the world more clever than she is. Do you think she would like to swim, or to let the water close over her head?"

Then they threw more bread and cake into the water and said, “The new one is the most beautiful of all, he is so young and pretty.” And the old swans bowed their heads before him.In the entire book, the word ‘ugly’ appeared rather strongly for me. The definitive nature of ‘ugly’ changes when it is used as a ‘Label’. Once labeled, a person is persecuted, detested and constantly reminded of one’s deficits in such a way that the identity of a person solidifies as one of ‘handicap’; becoming a ‘self’ ruptured beyond repair. I would recommend that if you read this story to your little ones, do not just focus on imparting the above mentions lessons from the book, but also impart sensitivity to and appreciation of ‘the differences’ that exist in this world. The famous Danish author also wrote plays, novels, poems and travelogues, but he's best remembered for his wonderful fairy tales. His popular stories seem to transcend age and nationality, appealing to everyone. I think it's rather cute, dontcha think? I also think that all creatures look cute when they're little. By the age of 14, he had moved to Copenhagen to find work as an actor in the Royal Danish Theatre. He began writing poetry in his spare time. The theatre director, Jonas Collin, was so impressed by Andersen's talents that he sent him to a Slagelse grammar school to complete his education.