The Child in the Grave
A young boy is buried alive and left to die in a grave. He is discovered still alive after several days and is taken home by his parents. The experience leaves him traumatized and unable to speak, but he eventually recovers.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1841 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Tragedy, Religious Fiction · 2,134 words
First lines
There was sorrow in the house, there was sorrow in the heart; for the youngest child, a little boy of four years of age, the only son, his parents' present joy and future hope, was dead. Two daughters they had, indeed, older than their boy -- the eldest was almost old enough to be confirmed -- amiable, sweet girls they both were; but the lost child is always the dearest, and he was the youngest, and a son. It was a heavy trial. The sisters sorrowed as young hearts sorrow, and were much afflicted by their parents' grief; the father was weighed down by the affliction; but the mother was quite overwhelmed by the terrible blow. By night and by day had she devoted herself to her sick child, watched by him, lifted him, carried him about, done everything for him herself. She had felt as if he were a part of herself: she could not bring herself to believe that he was dead -- that he should be laid in a coffin, and concealed in the grave. God would not take that child from her -- O no!
What this Textopian page supports
The Child in the Grave is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1841 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: 1841 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Tragedy, Religious Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 2,134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Child in the Grave by Hans Christian Andersen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- 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, including a supernatural encounter with Death and a transformative journey.
- Tragedy — The story revolves around the profound grief and loss experienced by a mother after the death of her child, highlighting themes of sorrow and despair.
- Religious Fiction — The narrative explores themes of faith, divine will, and spiritual enlightenment, culminating in the mother's acceptance of God's plan.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story delves into existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife, prompting reflection on human suffering and divine purpose.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Fantasy · Mystery · Supernatural · Adventure · Coming of Age · Psychological Thriller · Dark Fantasy · Gothic Fiction · Horror · Paranormal · Suspense