![]() Few of us have not at some point seen ourselves in this category. In its proverbial form its account of an unprepossessing, unsatisfactory member of one species evolving into a beautiful, admired member of another encourages us to expect for ourselves an eventual transformation of situation and self for the better, whatever the restrictions of our early circumstances and the current low opinion of others…. ![]() ‘The Ugly Duckling’ has passed into proverb. ![]() Some scholars believe it was also an expression of his struggle with his homosexuality in an era in which same-sex relations were illegal. His most famous story, “The Ugly Duckling,” while universal in theme, reflected his own struggle to overcome his ungainly looks and humble background. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author who left an indelible mark on Western culture with stories that transcend age and nationality such as “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Princess and the Pea,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Snow Queen,” “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” “Thumbelina” and “The Little Match Girl.” His earliest writings were based on stories he heard as a child, but he soon brought the genre to a new level with bold and original stories that he labored over, meticulously constructing each phrase, image and theme. This lovely story warms my heart – every time. ![]()
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