The Story of a Mother
A young woman marries an older man and becomes his mother figure to him. She gives birth to a child but the father's true identity remains unknown. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of family relationships.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1847 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Tragedy · 2,387 words
First lines
A mother sat there with her little child. She was so downcast, so afraid that it should die! It was so pale, the small eyes had closed themselves, and it drew its breath so softly, now and then, with a deep respiration, as if it sighed; and the mother looked still more sorrowfully on the little creature.
Then a knocking was heard at the door, and in came a poor old man wrapped up as in a large horse-cloth, for it warms one, and he needed it, as it was the cold winter season! Everything out-of-doors was covered with ice and snow, and the wind blew so that it cut the face.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of a Mother is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1847 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: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Tragedy, Allegory, Children's Literature
- Length: 2,387 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of a Mother 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 Story of a Mother?
- 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?
Similar titles
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- The Swineherd by Hans Christian Andersen
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- The Constant Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Wind Tells About Waldemar Daa And His Daughters by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Sand Hills Of Jutland by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative follows a traditional fairy tale structure with elements of fantasy and moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements such as personified Death and magical occurrences.
- Tragedy — The plot centers around the mother's grief and loss, leading to a tragic conclusion.
- Allegory — The story uses symbolic characters and events to convey deeper moral and philosophical meanings.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Motherhood · Family Drama · Tragic Love Story · Romance · Loss · Grief · Sacrifice · Selfless Love · Duty · Responsibility · Social Hierarchy