Märchen für Kinder by H.C. Andersen: A Comprehensive Review #

Plot Summary #

“Märchen für Kinder” (Fairy Tales for Children) by Hans Christian Andersen isn’t a single novel, but rather a collection of short fairy tales. Therefore, a single plot summary is impossible. The collection contains numerous well-known stories, each with its own distinct plot, characters, and setting. Examples include:

• “The Little Mermaid”: A mermaid princess sacrifices her voice and tail for legs to win the love of a human prince, ultimately facing heartbreak and choosing to become sea foam rather than kill him.
• “The Ugly Duckling”: A cygnet is ostracized for being different, only to mature into a beautiful swan and find acceptance.
• “The Emperor’s New Clothes”: Two swindlers convince the emperor that they are weaving magnificent clothes invisible to the stupid, leading to public humiliation when a child points out his nakedness.
• “The Princess and the Pea”: A prince tests a potential princess by placing a pea under a stack of mattresses to determine her sensitivity and true royal lineage.
• “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”: A one-legged tin soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina, enduring hardship and ultimately being consumed by fire with her.

The settings vary widely, ranging from underwater kingdoms and royal palaces to humble homes and snowy landscapes. The characters are equally diverse, encompassing royalty, animals, inanimate objects brought to life, and ordinary people.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings #

Reading “Märchen für Kinder” in the original German provides a different perspective on these familiar tales. The power of Andersen’s storytelling remains evident, even across language barriers. The stories are often bittersweet, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and acceptance. The collection evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding readers of childhood and the enduring appeal of fairy tales. However, the darker elements and moral complexities are also more apparent, leading to a deeper appreciation of Andersen’s artistry.

Writing Style, Character Development, and Themes #

Writing Style: #

Andersen’s writing style in German is characterized by its simplicity and directness, making it accessible to children (though the themes are often complex enough for adults). He uses vivid descriptions to create memorable imagery and imbues his characters with distinct personalities. His prose is often lyrical, even in its straightforwardness, reflecting the poetic nature of the fairy tale genre. The German translation, while ideally retaining the essence of the original, inevitably alters the nuances of Andersen’s language.

Character Development: #

While the characters are often archetypal, they possess depth and complexity. Even seemingly simple figures like the tin soldier or the ugly duckling undergo significant transformations, both externally and internally. The emotional struggles and motivations of the characters are convincingly portrayed, making them relatable even in fantastical scenarios. The character development is often tied directly to the moral lessons of the stories.

Literary Themes and Motifs: #

Several key themes and motifs recur throughout the collection:

• Appearance vs. Reality: Many stories explore the discrepancy between outward appearances and inner worth, often highlighting the importance of inner beauty and kindness.
• Social Injustice and Discrimination: The “Ugly Duckling” and other tales address the issue of being ostracized for being different and the pain of social exclusion.
• Sacrifice and Selflessness: “The Little Mermaid” exemplifies the theme of self-sacrifice for love, even at the cost of one’s own happiness.
• The Power of Imagination: The stories themselves celebrate the power of imagination and the importance of storytelling.
• Mortality and Loss: Several tales, like “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” confront the themes of mortality and the inevitability of loss.

Pacing and Structure #

The pacing of the individual stories is generally well-maintained, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Some stories may feel rushed, particularly to modern readers accustomed to longer narratives, but this brevity is typical of the fairy tale genre. The structure is relatively straightforward, often following a classic narrative arc of conflict, climax, and resolution. There might be some confusing sections if the German is difficult for a learner, but the tales themselves are inherently simple.

Language and Imagery #

Andersen’s strength lies in his ability to create evocative imagery through simple yet powerful language. He uses metaphors, similes, and personification to bring his stories to life. The German translation captures this imagery effectively, although nuances in word choice may alter the original intent slightly.

Memorable Quotes: #

Without access to the specific German text, I can only provide general examples (translated from English originals):

• “It is perfectly true,” said the little maiden; “I have heard it myself. Many beautiful stories are told in it!” (From a story implying the beauty of simple things).
• “But it doesn’t matter,’ he thought. ‘She’ll never come out here, anyway.’” (Illustrating a character’s acceptance of fate/unrequited love, possibly from “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”)

Emotional Impact #

The collection has a profound emotional impact. The stories evoke a range of emotions, from joy and wonder to sadness and empathy. The tragic endings of some tales, such as “The Little Mermaid,” can be deeply moving, prompting reflection on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the human condition. The stories also provoke thought about social injustice and the importance of kindness and compassion.

Themes and Messages #

Andersen’s stories convey a variety of themes and messages, often related to morality, social commentary, and the human experience. He emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, kindness, and compassion. He also critiques social injustice, hypocrisy, and the dangers of vanity and greed. His tales frequently offer cautionary messages about the consequences of selfishness and the rewards of selflessness. He succeeded immensely, leaving a lasting mark on children’s literature globally.

Social and Cultural Commentary #

The stories offer social and cultural commentary on the values and norms of Andersen’s time. He critiques societal expectations, particularly those placed on women, and exposes the hypocrisy of the upper classes. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a biting satire of vanity and the dangers of blind obedience to authority. He subtly challenges traditional power structures and advocates for greater social equality.

Strengths and Weaknesses #

Strengths: #

• Timeless Themes: The stories explore universal themes that remain relevant to readers of all ages.
• Imaginative Storytelling: Andersen’s creativity and imagination are unparalleled.
• Memorable Characters: The characters are well-developed and emotionally resonant.
• Moral Complexity: The stories offer more than just simplistic moral lessons; they often explore the gray areas of human behavior.
• Beautiful Language: Even in translation, the beauty and lyricism of Andersen’s writing shines through.

Weaknesses: #

• Melancholy Tone: Some readers may find the overall tone of the collection overly melancholic or depressing.
• Simplified Morality: While complex, the stories can sometimes rely on simplistic moral messages.
• Cultural Specificity: Some of the social commentary may be difficult for modern readers to fully understand without historical context.

Recommendation #

I highly recommend “Märchen für Kinder” to anyone interested in fairy tales, classic literature, or the works of Hans Christian Andersen. It is particularly suitable for those who want to read these stories in the original German, as it provides a more authentic experience of Andersen’s storytelling. Children and adults alike can appreciate the imaginative plots, memorable characters, and enduring themes.

Comparison #

Compared to other fairy tale collections like those by the Brothers Grimm, Andersen’s stories are often more personal and emotionally complex. While the Grimms focused on collecting and preserving traditional folk tales, Andersen infused his stories with his own unique perspective and artistic vision. His tales are often more poignant and introspective than the Grimms’ more straightforward narratives.

Rating #

I would rate “Märchen für Kinder” 4.5 out of 5 stars. The collection is a timeless masterpiece of children’s literature, offering a blend of imagination, emotion, and social commentary. While the melancholic tone may not appeal to all readers, the beauty and depth of Andersen’s storytelling are undeniable.

Overall Impression #

“Märchen für Kinder” is a collection of enduring beauty and power. Reading these tales in German offers a fresh appreciation for Andersen’s artistry and the timeless themes he explores. The stories are both enchanting and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Where to Get It #

Given that “Märchen für Kinder” is a collection of fairy tales, the availability depends on the specific edition or compilation. Public domain versions in German can be found easily. Here are some options:

• Project Gutenberg: Often provides free downloadable ebooks of classic works in various languages, including German. Search for “Hans Christian Andersen Märchen” on the Project Gutenberg website.
• Amazon: Search for “Märchen für Kinder H.C. Andersen” on Amazon. You will find various editions, both paperback and Kindle. Check if the edition is in German.
• Online Libraries: Many online libraries such as Europeana or digital archives of universities provide access to digitized versions of classic books.
• LibriVox: Sometimes offers audio recordings of public domain books. Check if a German version of Andersen’s Fairy Tales is available.