The Ugly Duckling by Katharine Tynan
The Ugly Duckling is a classic children's story by Katharine Tynan. It tells the story of a young duckling who is born different from the other ducklings in the pond. He is ridiculed and rejected by the other ducks, and he sets off on a journey to find a place where he can fit in. Along the way, he meets a variety of animals, including a kind old woman who takes him in and helps him to find his true identity. In the end, the duckling discovers that he is actually a beautiful swan, and he is welcomed into the flock of swans. The story teaches children the importance of being true to themselves and accepting others for who they are.
By Katharine Tynan · First published 1914 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fiction · 2,400 words
First lines
Lady Prue was the plain, elder daughter of a most beautiful mother.
She had been so accustomed from early childhood to hearing her plainness commented upon that she had come to accept the fact without any doubt at all as to the justice of it. Her mother had never seemed to regard her little daughter as a sensitive being when she had said to her friends and acquaintances, the children being brought into the drawing-room for five minutes--
What this Textopian page supports
The Ugly Duckling is listed on Textopian as a short story by Katharine Tynan, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Katharine Tynan
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fiction, Classic Literature
- Length: 2,400 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ugly Duckling by Katharine Tynan
- 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 Ugly Duckling?
- How does this short story by Katharine Tynan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Ugly Princess by Charles Kingsley
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Prince Cherry by Dinah Mulock
- Little Snowdrop by Dinah Mulock
- Brother And Sister by Dinah Mulock
- The Little Lame Prince by Dinah Mulock
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The Ugly Duckling is a classic fairy tale about a young duckling who is rejected by his peers due to his appearance, but eventually finds acceptance and happiness.
- Children's Literature — The Ugly Duckling is a beloved children's story, often used to teach lessons about acceptance and self-esteem.
- Fiction — The Ugly Duckling is a work of fiction, as it is a story that is not based on real events or people.
- Classic Literature — The Ugly Duckling is a classic work of literature, as it has been around for many years and is still widely read and enjoyed today.
Tags
transformation · identity · self-acceptance · beauty · growth · nature · fairy tale · childhood · rejection · belonging · hope · resilience