A Row of Pearls
The story revolves around a young girl who receives a necklace with a row of pearls from her mother before she dies. The girl's father remarries and the new wife treats her poorly, taking away the pearl necklace. The girl runs away to the sea where she meets a mermaid who gives her a magical shell that allows her to communicate with the sea creatures.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1837 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Travel Literature, Historical Fiction · 3,361 words
First lines
I.
The railroad in Denmark extends no farther as yet than from Copenhagen to Korsoer. It is a row of pearls. Europe has a wealth of these. Its most costly pearls are named Paris, London, Vienna, Naples; though many a one does not point out these great cities as his most beautiful pearl, but, on the contrary, names some small, by no means remarkable town, for it is _his_ home -- the home where those he loves reside. Nay, sometimes it is but a country-seat -- a small cottage hidden among green hedges -- a mere spot that he hastens towards, while the railway train rushes on.
What this Textopian page supports
A Row of Pearls is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1837 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hans Christian Andersen
- Date: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Travel Literature, Historical Fiction, Romance, Memoir
- Length: 3,361 words
- Structure: 1 section, 36 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Row of Pearls by Hans Christian Andersen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Row of Pearls?
- How does this short story by Hans Christian Andersen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
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- What Happened To The Thistle by Hans Christian Andersen
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- The Wind Relates The Story Of Waldemar Daae And His Daughters by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Neck Of A Bottle by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Bottle Neck by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative style and thematic elements are characteristic of fairy tales, with a focus on nostalgia, personal reflection, and a romanticized view of the past.
- Travel Literature — The story describes a journey through Denmark, highlighting various locations and their historical and cultural significance.
- Historical Fiction — The text references historical figures and events, blending them with fictional elements to create a narrative that reflects on the past.
- Romance — The narrative includes elements of personal relationships and love, particularly in the grandmother's recollections of her past.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Short Story · Marriage · Love · Pearls · Symbolism · Allegory · Romance · Fantasy · Mythology · Feminist Themes · Social Commentary