“The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, was first published in 1843 as part of the collection New Fairy Tales. First Volume. First Collection. This poignant story follows the journey of a duckling who is rejected by his family and peers due to his appearance, but ultimately finds acceptance and belonging. The tale begins with a mother duck who is proud of her brood, except for one duckling who is perceived as ugly, leading to feelings of isolation and despair. In search of acceptance, the duckling embarks on a journey, facing numerous challenges and setbacks, but ultimately discovers that he is actually a beautiful swan, and his transformation is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual.

Main Events in “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. Hatching of the Ducklings: The story begins with a Duck sitting on her nest, waiting for her eggs to hatch. All but one egg hatches into beautiful ducklings who immediately take to the water.
2. The Ugly Duckling: The last egg hatches into a large and ugly duckling, which the mother suspects might be a turkey chick.
3. Rejection and Bullying: The Ugly Duckling faces rejection and bullying from its family and other animals due to its appearance.
4. Seeking Acceptance: Despite the mistreatment, the Ugly Duckling longs for acceptance and tries to fit in with its family.
5. Encounter with Wild Ducks: The Ugly Duckling encounters wild ducks but is rejected by them as well.
6. Harsh Winter: The Duckling endures a harsh winter, struggling to survive and facing more rejection.
7. Rescue and Domestication: A kind peasant rescues the Duckling from freezing in the ice and takes it home to his family, where it is met with curiosity.
8. Domestic Life: The Duckling struggles to fit into domestic life, facing ridicule from the other animals and humans.
9. Longing for Freedom: Despite the comforts of domestic life, the Duckling longs for freedom and feels out of place.
10. Transformation: As spring arrives, the Duckling matures and undergoes a transformation, realizing it is actually a swan.
11. Acceptance and Happiness: The Duckling is accepted by a flock of swans, who embrace it as one of their own, bringing the Duckling happiness and a sense of belonging.
12. Reflection and Gratitude: The now beautiful swan reflects on its past hardships and expresses gratitude for the happiness it has found, realizing that its struggles led to its ultimate joy.

Literary Devices in “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
1. Allegory	The Ugly Duckling represents outsiderhood	The Ugly Duckling’s journey mirrors the struggles of those who feel like outsiders in society.
2. Metaphor	“He felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wings.”	The duckling’s action of hiding its head symbolizes embarrassment and shame.
3. Simile	“The wind caught them so that they danced about, and up in the air it was very cold.”	The movement of the leaves is compared to a dance, emphasizing their liveliness.
4. Foreshadowing	The Duckling’s encounter with the swans	The early rejection faced by the Duckling foreshadows its eventual transformation into a swan.
5. Symbolism	The Ugly Duckling	Symbolizes feelings of inadequacy, rejection, and eventual transformation.
6. Personification	“The clouds hung low, heavy with hail and snow-flakes.”	The clouds are described as if they have human-like characteristics of hanging and being heavy.
7. Irony	The Duckling is actually a beautiful swan	Ironic twist where the Duckling, deemed ugly, turns out to be the most beautiful bird.
8. Imagery	“The leaves in the forest turned yellow and brown; the wind caught them so that they danced about.”	Vivid description of the autumn scene, appealing to the reader’s senses.
9. Alliteration	“The poor little Duckling certainly had not a good time.”	Repetition of the “d” sound adds emphasis to the Duckling’s suffering.
10. Hyperbole	“The Ugly Duckling felt quite strange as it watched them.”	Exaggerated description of the Duckling’s emotions to emphasize its alienation.
11. Onomatopoeia	“Splash! splash!”	The sound of the Duckling and other ducklings jumping into the water.
12. Repetition	“Quack! quack!”	Repeated sound of ducks quacking, emphasizing their presence and communication.
13. Metonymy	“The Ugly Duckling”	Refers to the Duckling’s journey of self-discovery and transformation.
14. Paradox	“It was both happy and not proud.”	Contradictory statement emphasizing the complexity of the Duckling’s emotions.
15. Anaphora	“And the Duckling sat in a corner and was melancholy…”	Repetition of “and” at the beginning of sentences for emphasis and rhythm.
16. Epiphany	The Duckling’s realization of its true identity as a swan	A sudden understanding or realization that leads to personal growth and transformation.
17. Allusion	“The Ugly Duckling”	Alludes to the traditional fairy tale genre and themes of transformation and self-discovery.
18. Assonance	“He thought how he had been persecuted and despised.”	Repetition of the “e” sound creates a musical quality in the sentence.
19. Euphemism	“The other ducks liked better to swim about in the canals.”	Substitution of “liked better” for “preferred” to soften the statement.
20. Antithesis	“It felt quite glad at all the need and misfortune it had suffered…”	The contrast between “glad” and “need and misfortune” emphasizes the Duckling’s growth.

Characterization in “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

• Major Characters:
  • Mother Duck:
    • Example: Mother Duck is portrayed as nurturing and protective, caring for her eggs and later guiding her ducklings. She exhibits patience and compassion towards the Ugly Duckling despite its differences.
  • Ugly Duckling:
    • Example: The Ugly Duckling is the protagonist of the story, characterized by its physical appearance and its journey of self-discovery. It faces rejection and mistreatment from others but ultimately finds acceptance and belonging among the swans.
  • Swans:
    • Example: The swans symbolize beauty, grace, and acceptance. They play a significant role in the Duckling’s transformation, accepting it as one of their own and providing it with a sense of belonging.
• Minor Characters:
  • Other Ducks and Animals:
    • Example: The other ducks and animals in the story represent societal norms and prejudices. They ridicule and ostracize the Ugly Duckling because it doesn’t fit their standards of beauty.
  • Peasant:
    • Example: The peasant rescues the Ugly Duckling from freezing in the ice, showing kindness and compassion towards the vulnerable creature.
  • Children and Woman:
    • Example: The children and the woman react with curiosity and fear towards the Ugly Duckling when it is brought into their home. Their interactions highlight the Duckling’s outsider status in human society.

Major Themes in “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. Appearance vs. Inner Worth: The story emphasizes the contrast between the duckling’s outward appearance and its kind and resilient nature. Throughout the tale, the duckling is ostracized for its ugliness, but it never loses its gentle spirit. Ultimately, the story celebrates inner worth over outward beauty, showcasing the duckling’s transformation into a magnificent swan.
2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The duckling endures constant rejection and hardship throughout its journey. It is ostracized by other ducks, hunted by animals, and struggles to survive the harsh winter. However, the duckling never gives up hope and demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
3. Finding Your Place: The story explores the theme of belonging and self-discovery. The duckling feels like an outsider in the duckyard and longs to find a place where it truly fits in. This journey of self-discovery leads the duckling to its true identity as a swan, where it is finally accepted and celebrated.
4. Transformation: The tale is a classic coming-of-age story that depicts the duckling’s remarkable transformation. From a clumsy, ostracized duckling, it matures into a graceful and beautiful swan. This transformation symbolizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and the potential for hidden beauty to be revealed.

Writing Style in “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

• Simple and Clear Language
  • Example: “It was a duckling, grey upon the back, and white upon the breast, and quite grey on the wings.”
• Descriptive Imagery
  • Example: “The sun came out, and the duckling felt its wings growing stronger; it stretched them wide, and rose into the air.”
• Symbolism
  • Example: The Ugly Duckling’s transformation into a beautiful swan symbolizes self-acceptance and inner beauty.
• Repetition
  • Example: The repeated use of “ugly duckling” emphasizes the character’s struggles with self-acceptance.
• Emotional Appeal
  • Example: The story evokes sympathy for the Ugly Duckling’s struggles and joy at its transformation.
• Folk Tale Style
  • Example: The story features magical elements, like the mother duck’s intuition, typical of folk tales.
• Moral Lesson
  • Example: The story teaches that true beauty comes from within, and self-acceptance leads to happiness.
• Character Development
  • Example: The Ugly Duckling’s transformation from an outcast to a confident swan shows its growth and self-discovery.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Identity Formation	How does the Ugly Duckling’s journey reflect the process of identity formation and self-discovery?	“Through its experiences, the Ugly Duckling undergoes a transformative process of self-discovery, ultimately embracing its true identity as a swan, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-acceptance in forming one’s sense of self.”
Social Hierarchy and Exclusion	How does the story critique social hierarchy and exclusion, and what commentary does it offer on the consequences of judging others based on appearance?	“Andersen’s tale critiques the social hierarchy of the farmyard, exposing the cruel consequences of judging others based on appearance, and ultimately advocating for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.”
Nature vs. Nurture	To what extent does the Ugly Duckling’s transformation suggest that one’s true nature can overcome environmental influences and expectations?	“The Ugly Duckling’s metamorphosis from an outcast duckling to a majestic swan suggests that one’s innate nature can ultimately prevail over environmental conditioning and societal expectations, highlighting the tension between nature and nurture in shaping individual identity.”

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

Question	Answer
How does the Ugly Duckling’s journey reflect themes of identity and belonging?	The Ugly Duckling’s journey mirrors the struggles of individuals who feel like outsiders due to their differences. Through rejection and mistreatment, it searches for acceptance and ultimately finds belonging among the swans.
Discuss the significance of the Ugly Duckling’s transformation into a swan.	The transformation symbolizes not only physical change but also a profound inner awakening. It represents the journey from self-doubt and insecurity to self-acceptance and fulfillment. The Duckling learns that true beauty comes from within.
In what ways does Andersen use the Ugly Duckling’s experiences to critique societal norms and prejudices?	Andersen critiques societal norms by depicting the Duckling’s rejection based solely on its appearance. The story challenges the notion of beauty standards and explores the consequences of prejudice, urging readers to embrace diversity and acceptance.

Literary Works Similar to “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams
   • Like “The Ugly Duckling,” this story explores themes of transformation and acceptance. It follows a toy rabbit’s journey to become “real” through the power of love and belonging.
2. “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
   • This beloved tale shares themes of innocence, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. It follows the Little Prince’s encounters with various characters as he searches for understanding and connection.
3. “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde
   • While different in narrative style, this story also delves into themes of compassion, sacrifice, and beauty beyond appearances. It follows the friendship between a statue of a prince and a swallow, revealing the true nature of kindness.
4. “The Tin Woodman of Oz” by L. Frank Baum
   • Part of the Oz series, this story follows the Tin Woodman’s quest to regain his human form after being transformed by a witch. Like the Ugly Duckling, the Tin Woodman undergoes a journey of self-discovery and learns the value of compassion and empathy.
5. “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde
   • This story shares themes of redemption and the importance of kindness. It follows a giant who learns to overcome his selfishness by opening his garden to children, ultimately finding joy and fulfillment in selflessness.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

• Bettelheim, Bruno. The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales. Alfred A. Knopf, 1976.
• Bodkin, Maud. Archetypal Patterns in Poetry. Oxford University Press, 1934.
• Manguel, Alberto. The Dictionary of Imaginary Places. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1980.
• Tatar, Maria. The Hard Facts of the Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Princeton University Press, 1987.
• Wullschleger, Alfred. Hans Christian Andersen: The Life of a Fairy-Tale Writer. Translated by Patricia Crampton, E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc., 1970.

Websites:

• The Hans Christian Andersen Centre: https://www.hca.ac.uk/
• SurLaLune Fairy Tales: https://www.surlalunefairytales.com/
• Grimm’s Fairy Tales: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~spok/grimmtmp/

Representative Quotations from “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

• Quote 1: ““Well, how goes it?” asked an old Duck who had come to pay her a visit.” (p. 2)
• Context: The old duck criticizes the size of the unhatched egg and doubts it belongs to the mother duck. This reinforces the theme of difference and the initial judgment placed on the ugly duckling.
• Theoretical Perspective: From a sociological lens, this quote reflects conformity and the pressure to fit within established norms. The old duck represents societal expectations, judging anything outside the norm as inferior.
• Quote 2: ““See there! now we’re to have these hanging on, as if there were not enough of us already! And—fie!—how that duckling yonder looks; we won’t stand that!” (p. 3)
• Context: The other ducklings ostracize the ugly duckling for his appearance. This quote highlights the cruelty of exclusion and bullying.
• Theoretical Perspective: This quote aligns with social learning theory. The other ducklings mimic the behavior of the older ducks, perpetuating the cycle of bullying.
• Quote 3: “…It matters nothing if one is born in a duck-yard if one has only lain in a swan’s egg.” (p. 6)
• Context: This is the story’s central message. Despite being raised by ducks, the ugly duckling’s true nature is revealed as a swan.
• Theoretical Perspective: This quote resonates with Jungian psychology. It suggests that our true selves, our archetypes, can emerge despite external circumstances.
• Quote 4: “Then he felt quite ashamed, and hid his head under his wings, for he did not know what to do; he was so happy, and yet not at all proud.” (p. 6)
• Context: The transformed swan feels a mix of joy and humility. He doesn’t boast about his beauty.
• Theoretical Perspective: This quote aligns with humanistic psychology, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance alongside happiness. True fulfillment comes from embracing who you are, not external validation.