Tommelise by Hans Christian Andersen
The story revolves around a young girl who is born with a small, delicate body and a large head. She is rejected by her parents due to her physical appearance and is forced to live in the attic of their home. As she grows older, Tommelise becomes increasingly isolated from society and develops a unique perspective on life. Despite her physical limitations, she possesses a strong will and determination that allows her to navigate the world around her. The story explores themes of identity, isolation, and the human condition through Tommelise's experiences as an outcast.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1835 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 5,205 words
First lines
Once upon a time, a beggar woman went to the house of a poor peasant, and asked for something to eat. The peasant's wife gave her some bread and milk. When she had eaten it, she took a barley-corn out of her pocket, and said -- "This will I give thee; set it in a flower-pot, and see what will come out of it."
The woman set the barley-corn in an old flower-pot, and the next day the most beautiful plant had shot up, which looked just like a tulip, but the leaves were shut close together, as if it still were in bud.
What this Textopian page supports
Tommelise is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1835 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: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 5,205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 69 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tommelise 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 Tommelise?
- 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
- The Singing Springing Lark by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Accession by Edith Nesbit
- The Bad Fairy by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Dot And Tot Of Merryland by L. Frank Baum
- Little Tuk by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Frost King And How The Fairies Conquered Him by Louisa May Alcott
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, fantastical creatures, and a moral lesson, typical of fairy tales.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is simple, imaginative, and suitable for a young audience, with a focus on adventure and moral values.
- Fantasy — The plot includes fantastical elements such as talking animals and tiny people, creating a whimsical world.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey, facing various challenges and meeting different characters along the way.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Fantasy · Children's Literature · Short Story · Adventure · Magic · Mystery · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Friendship · Loyalty · Courage