The story revolves around a young girl who lives with her mother and stepfather. She is neglected by them and forced to live in the attic of their house. The only comfort she has is a small garden where she grows flowers, which symbolize her own beauty and worth. As time passes, Ida's garden flourishes, but she becomes increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. Her stepfather sees the garden as a threat to his authority and decides to destroy it. Ida's mother tries to intervene on her behalf, but ultimately fails to protect the garden. The destruction of the garden serves as a metaphor for Ida's own emotional devastation and loss of innocence. The story explores themes of neglect, isolation, and the struggle for self-expression in the face of adversity.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1847 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy