Anne Lisbeth
The story revolves around a young girl named Anne Lisbeth who lives with her mother and stepfather on a remote farm. She is mistreated by her stepfather and struggles to find happiness in her life. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the human condition through Anne Lisbeth's experiences.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1837 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Moral Allegory, Tragedy · 5,183 words
First lines
Anne Lisbeth had a colour like milk and blood; young, fresh, and merry, she looked beautiful, with gleaming white teeth and clear eyes; her footstep was light in the dance, and her mind was lighter still. And what came of it all? Her son was an ugly brat! Yes, he was not pretty; so he was put out to be nursed by the labourer's wife. Anne Lisbeth was taken into the count's castle, and sat there in the splendid room arrayed in silks and velvets; not a breath of wind might blow upon her, and no one was allowed to speak a harsh word to her. No, that might not be; for she was nurse to the count's child, which was delicate and fair as a prince, and beautiful as an angel; and how she loved this child! Her own boy was provided for at the labourer's, where the mouth boiled over more frequently than the pot, and where, in general, no one was at home to take care of the child.
What this Textopian page supports
Anne Lisbeth 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, Moral Allegory, Tragedy, Gothic Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 5,183 words
- Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Anne Lisbeth 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Anne Lisbeth?
- 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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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative contains elements of fantasy and moral lessons typical of fairy tales.
- Moral Allegory — The story explores themes of neglect, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions, serving as a moral lesson.
- Tragedy — The plot revolves around the tragic neglect of a child and the resulting consequences, leading to a somber resolution.
- Gothic Fiction — The presence of supernatural elements, such as spectres and ominous settings, aligns with gothic fiction characteristics.
Tags
FairyTale · DanishLiterature · ShortStory · TragicLove · StarCrossedLovers · ForbiddenLove · SocialClass · Poverty · Isolation · Loneliness · MentalHealth · Mourning