What the Goodman does is Always Right
The story revolves around a young boy who believes that whatever he does is always right. He is convinced of his own infallibility and refuses to listen to others' opinions or criticism. His parents try to correct him, but he becomes increasingly stubborn and arrogant. As the boy grows older, his behavior becomes more and more erratic. He starts to believe that he can do anything without consequences, and that everyone else is wrong. He begins to alienate himself from his friends and family, who are tired of his constant arguments and refusal to listen. The story takes a dark turn when the boy's parents try to discipline him for one of his many transgressions. The boy becomes enraged and lashes out at them, causing a rift in their relationship that cannot be repaired. In the end, the boy is left alone, isolated from those who care about him. He realizes too late that he was wrong all along, but it's too late to change his ways.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1845 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Humor · 2,526 words
First lines
I WILL tell you a story that was told to me when I was a little boy. Every time I think of this story it seems to me more and more charming; for it is with stories as it is with many people -- they become better as they grow older.
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What the Goodman does is Always Right is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1845 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: 1845 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Humor, Children's Literature, Satire
- Length: 2,526 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for What the Goodman does is Always Right 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
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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features traditional fairy tale elements such as a moral lesson, simple characters, and a whimsical plot.
- Folk Tale — The narrative is structured like a folk tale, with a focus on rural life, oral storytelling tradition, and a moral message.
- Humor — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the absurdity of the exchanges and the wife's unwavering support.
- Children's Literature — The simple language, moral lesson, and entertaining plot make it suitable for children.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Satire · Social Commentary · Morality Play · Critique of Authority · Absurdity · Dark Humor · Fantasy · Realism · Irony · Parody · Picaresque