The Flying Trunk
A young girl's father gives her a trunk that contains a mysterious and magical world where she meets various characters who teach her about life and its complexities. She learns to navigate the challenges of growing up and eventually returns home, but with a newfound understanding of herself and the world around her.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1838 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 2,580 words
First lines
THERE was once a merchant who was so rich that he could have paved a whole street with gold, and would even then have had enough left for a small alley. He did not do so; he knew the value of money better than to use it in this way. So clever was he that every shilling he put out brought him a crown, and so it continued as long as he lived.
His son inherited his wealth, and lived a merry life with it. He went to a masquerade every night, made kites out of five-pound notes, and threw pieces of gold into the sea instead of stones, making ducks and drakes of them.
What this Textopian page supports
The Flying Trunk is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Moral
- Length: 2,580 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Flying Trunk 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 The Flying Trunk?
- 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 story features magical elements, such as a flying trunk, and follows a narrative style typical of traditional fairy tales.
- Fantasy — The plot includes fantastical elements like flying and talking objects, which are central to the story's progression.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey to a foreign land, encountering various challenges and experiences.
- Romance — The narrative includes a romantic subplot involving the protagonist and a princess.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Travel · Magic · Transformation · Coming-of-age · Self-discovery · Friendship · Loyalty · Courage · Perseverance · Imagination