“The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

“The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen was first published in 1840 as part of the collection “Fairy Tales Told for Children, Third Collection, Third Booklet”. This story features a prince who is consumed by his own ambition and greed, and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals, including murdering his own father and brother. The tale explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions, and is a classic example of Andersen’s ability to craft dark and thought-provoking stories that continue to captivate readers to this day.

Main Events in “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

Literary Devices in “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

Literary Device	Example from the Story	Explanation
Allegory	The prince’s ambition to conquer God symbolizes human hubris.	The story’s events and characters represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, providing a deeper meaning beyond the literal narrative.
Alliteration	“His heart and mind were set upon conquering all the countries.”	The repetition of consonant sounds, such as the repeated “c” sound in “conquering” and “countries,” adds rhythm and emphasis to the sentence.
Allusion	“Hundreds of eagles were attached to this ship…”	Reference to eagles could allude to strength, power, or military prowess, common symbols in literature and mythology.
Apostrophe	“I will conquer God!”	The prince directly addresses and challenges God, emphasizing his defiance and arrogance.
Assonance	“He brought enormous wealth home…”	The repetition of vowel sounds, such as the repeated “o” sound in “enormous” and “home,” creates a melodic effect and reinforces the description.
Connotation	“His power increased day by day…”	The word “increased” suggests growth and expansion, connoting the prince’s escalating influence and dominance.
Hyperbole	“The flames licked the green leaves off the branches…”	Exaggeration for dramatic effect emphasizes the intensity of the destruction caused by the prince’s soldiers.
Irony	The prince’s downfall comes from a swarm of gnats.	The outcome is contrary to what one might expect; the powerful prince is defeated by something seemingly insignificant, highlighting the theme of hubris.
Metaphor	“The earth was soon left far below…”	The comparison of the earth to a distant object reinforces the idea of the ship’s ascent into the sky, creating vivid imagery.
Onomatopoeia	“…the wind roared round the prince’s head…”	Words that imitate natural sounds, such as “roared,” enhance the sensory experience, evoking the ferocity of the wind.
Oxymoron	“Magnificent palaces, churches, and halls…”	The juxtaposition of “magnificent” with “devastation” and “destruction” emphasizes the prince’s contradictory actions and their consequences.
Paradox	“He spent seven years in the construction of wonderful ships…”	The idea of “wonderful” ships being used for destructive purposes creates a paradox, highlighting the prince’s twisted priorities.
Personification	“The wind roared round the prince’s head…”	Assigning human characteristics, such as roaring, to the wind enhances the description, making it more vivid and engaging.
Repetition	“What a mighty prince!”	The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the admiration and fear inspired by the prince’s power, reinforcing his dominance.
Satire	Description of the prince’s actions and ambitions.	The story ridicules the prince’s hubris and the destructive consequences of his quest for power, serving as a critique of authoritarianism and greed.
Simile	“The ship… was covered with thousands of eyes, like the tail of a peacock…”	The comparison using “like” enhances the imagery, allowing readers to visualize the ship’s ornate decoration.
Symbolism	The prince’s ship symbolizes his arrogance and defiance.	The ship represents the prince’s hubris and desire to surpass divine authority, embodying themes of pride and recklessness.
Tone	The tone of the story is ominous and cautionary.	The author’s attitude toward the subject matter is conveyed through the tone, which warns readers of the consequences of unchecked ambition and cruelty.
Understatement	“One single gnat had placed itself inside one of the coverings…”	The significance of the gnat’s role in the prince’s downfall is downplayed, emphasizing the irony and unexpected nature of his defeat.
Verbal Irony	“I will conquer God!”	The prince’s boastful statement is ironically juxtaposed with his subsequent defeat by a mere insect, highlighting the futility of his ambition.

Characterization in “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

• The Wicked Prince: The titular character, the Wicked Prince, is the embodiment of arrogance and warmongering. The story opens with a chilling description of his actions: “he devastated their countries with fire and sword, and his soldiers trod down the crops in the fields and destroyed the peasants’ huts by fire” [1]. This sets the tone for his complete disregard for human life and his delight in destruction. His obsession with conquest is further emphasized by his insatiable desire for more power. Even after accumulating immense wealth and conquering numerous lands, he declares, ““What a mighty prince! But I must have more—much more. No power on earth must equal mine, far less exceed it” [2]. This insatiable ambition ultimately leads to his downfall as he delusionally attempts to conquer God. The prince’s foolishness is highlighted by his ultimate defeat at the hands of a tiny gnat, showcasing the absurdity of his arrogance.
• The Prince’s Soldiers: The prince’s soldiers are portrayed as extensions of his cruelty. The text describes them as “demons” whose enjoyment comes from inflicting misery [1]. They readily carry out the prince’s violent orders, mirroring his lack of empathy. Their actions solidify the image of the prince as a ruler who thrives on destruction.
• The Conquered Kings: The conquered kings serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of the prince’s wars. Reduced to “chained up with golden fetters to his chariot” [2], they become symbols of humiliation and subjugation. Their presence highlights the prince’s disregard for the suffering he inflicts on others.
• The Priests: The priests are the only ones who dare to oppose the prince. When the prince demands his statue be placed on the altar, they remind him, ““Prince, you are mighty indeed, but God’s power is much greater than yours; we dare not obey your orders” [2]. They represent a voice of reason and morality, the sole opposition to the prince’s absolute power.
• The Angel and The Gnats: The angel and the gnats function as instruments of divine intervention. The angel, unharmed by the prince’s bullets, showcases the limitations of human power against a higher force. The gnats, a seemingly insignificant annoyance, ultimately drive the prince mad. Their role underscores the prince’s ultimate failure and the insignificance of his actions in the face of God’s will.

Major Themes in “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. Hubris and Arrogance: One of the central themes of “The Wicked Prince” is the destructive nature of hubris and arrogance. The prince’s insatiable thirst for power leads him to believe he can conquer even God Himself. This hubris is evident in his relentless pursuit of dominance over others and his defiance of divine authority. For example, when the prince declares, “I will conquer God!” he demonstrates his arrogance and overestimation of his own abilities. Despite his grandiose ambitions, the prince’s downfall ultimately comes from a seemingly insignificant source—the sting of a gnat—which serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked pride.
2. Consequences of Tyranny: Another prominent theme in the story is the devastating consequences of tyranny and oppression. The prince’s ruthless quest for conquest results in widespread destruction, suffering, and loss for countless innocent people. His soldiers lay waste to villages, destroy crops, and subject conquered kings to humiliating servitude. The story illustrates the brutal reality of life under a tyrant’s rule, where the pursuit of power comes at the expense of human lives and well-being. The imagery of devastated landscapes and oppressed populations highlights the profound impact of the prince’s tyranny on society.
3. Divine Justice and Humility: “The Wicked Prince” also explores the theme of divine justice and the importance of humility before higher powers. Despite his immense power and wealth, the prince’s attempts to defy God ultimately end in failure and humiliation. When he arrogantly proclaims his intention to conquer God, he is swiftly brought down by a single drop of blood from an angel, symbolizing the inevitability of divine retribution. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of recognizing one’s limitations in the face of divine authority.
4. Redemption and Consequences: Lastly, the story touches on the themes of redemption and the consequences of one’s actions. Throughout the narrative, the prince’s relentless pursuit of power leads to his own downfall and eventual realization of the folly of his ambitions. His defeat by a swarm of gnats serves as a humbling moment, prompting him to reflect on his actions and the suffering he has caused. This moment of humility, though forced upon him, opens the possibility for redemption and self-awareness. The story underscores the idea that actions have consequences and that true growth and redemption can only come from acknowledging one’s mistakes and striving to make amends.

Writing Style in “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. Imagery and Descriptive Language: Andersen uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the prince’s destruction and cruelty, such as “the flames licked the green leaves off the branches, and the fruit hung dried up on the singed black trees” and “the clouds around…took strange shapes, like crabs many, many miles long, which stretched their claws out after him”.
2. Symbolism: The prince’s ship and its many eyes (gun barrels) symbolize his power and aggression, while the angel and his shining wings represent God’s power and goodness.
3. Irony and Satire: Andersen uses irony and satire to highlight the prince’s foolishness and arrogance, such as when the prince says “I will conquer God too” and when his soldiers mock him after he is overcome by a single gnat.
4. Repetition: The repetition of the prince’s phrase “I will conquer God” emphasizes his determination and stubbornness, as well as his ultimate downfall.
5. Biblical Allusions: The story contains allusions to biblical themes and imagery, such as the prince’s attempt to reach heaven and his ultimate punishment, which echoes the story of Lucifer’s fall from heaven.
6. Folk Tale Elements: The story contains elements of traditional folk tales, such as the use of magical creatures (eagles, angels, gnats) and the prince’s ultimate comeuppance.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Psychological Motivations of Power	What drives the prince’s insatiable thirst for power?	Despite his outward displays of dominance, the prince’s relentless pursuit of power in “The Wicked Prince” can be attributed to deep-seated psychological motivations rooted in insecurity, fear, and a desire for control.
Religious Symbolism and Interpretation	How does the story explore themes of divine justice and redemption?	Through its portrayal of the prince’s hubristic ambitions and eventual downfall, “The Wicked Prince” serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of defying divine authority and the possibility of redemption through humility and self-awareness.
Sociopolitical Allegory	What parallels can be drawn between the prince’s actions and real-world political dynamics?	Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Wicked Prince” can be interpreted as a powerful allegory for the dangers of authoritarianism and the devastating impact of unchecked power on society, serving as a timeless warning against tyranny and oppression.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

• What drives the prince’s insatiable ambition, and how does his desire for power and control ultimately lead to his downfall?
  The prince’s insatiable ambition is driven by his desire for dominance and control over all aspects of life. He is consumed by his own ego and a sense of entitlement, which ultimately leads to his downfall. His attempt to conquer Heaven and overthrow God is a symbol of his hubris and arrogance, and his defeat by a single gnat sent by God serves as a reminder of the limits of human power and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
• How does the story use the prince’s character to explore the consequences of unchecked power and the dangers of corruption?
  The story uses the prince’s character to explore the consequences of unchecked power and the dangers of corruption by portraying him as a ruthless and cunning leader who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His actions and decisions are driven by his desire for power and control, rather than a sense of justice or compassion, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position and status. Through the prince’s character, the story highlights the dangers of corruption and the importance of accountability and humility in leadership.
• What role do the supernatural elements in the story play in exploring the themes of power, corruption, and the human condition?
  The supernatural elements in the story, such as the angel and the gnat sent by God, play a significant role in exploring the themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. These elements serve as a reminder of the limits of human power and the existence of a higher authority, and they highlight the consequences of attempting to defy or overthrow God. The supernatural elements also add a sense of wonder and awe to the story, and they serve as a reminder of the mysteries and complexities of the universe.
• How does the story’s use of imagery and symbolism contribute to its exploration of the human condition and the nature of power and corruption?
  The story’s use of imagery and symbolism contributes significantly to its exploration of the human condition and the nature of power and corruption. The prince’s ship, with its many eyes and guns, serves as a symbol of his power and aggression, while the angel’s shining wings and the gnat’s sting represent the power and authority of God. The imagery of the prince’s ship rising towards the sun and then crashing to the earth serves as a symbol of his hubris and fall, and the use of natural imagery, such as the clouds and the wind, adds a sense of scope and scale to the story. The imagery and symbolism in the story serve to reinforce its themes and messages, and they add depth and complexity to the narrative.

Literary Works Similar to “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

1. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen: This classic tale by Andersen explores themes of vanity, deception, and the folly of pride, similar to “The Wicked Prince.” It critiques the dangers of arrogance and the consequences of self-delusion.
2. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: Poe’s short story delves into themes of guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of obsession. Like “The Wicked Prince,” it explores the psychological unraveling of its protagonist as a result of his dark impulses.
3. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Jackson’s chilling tale examines the dangers of blindly following tradition and the dark side of human nature. Like “The Wicked Prince,” it explores themes of tyranny, oppression, and the consequences of unchecked authority.
4. “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Hawthorne’s story delves into themes of temptation, sin, and the nature of evil. Similar to “The Wicked Prince,” it explores the moral decay that accompanies the pursuit of forbidden desires.
5. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: This short story explores themes of vanity, ambition, and the consequences of social climbing. Like “The Wicked Prince,” it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the pursuit of material wealth.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

• Wullschlager, Jackie. Hans Christian Andersen: The Life of a Storyteller. Secker & Warburg, 2000.
• McGillis, Karen. “The Dark Stuff in Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.” The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2014.
• Hans Christian Andersen Center. University of Southern Denmark, https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/hca.

Representative Quotations from “The Wicked Prince” by Hans Christian Andersen

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspectives
“Many a poor mother fled, her naked baby in her arms, behind the still smoking walls of her cottage…”	This quote highlights the devastation caused by the prince’s conquests, depicting the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of war.	Feminist Criticism: Analyze the portrayal of women and mothers as victims of war, exploring themes of vulnerability and powerlessness.
“The prince often looked with delight upon his gold and his magnificent edifices…”	Here, the prince’s obsession with wealth and power is evident as he takes pleasure in his opulent possessions, indifferent to the suffering he has caused to attain them.	Marxist Criticism: Examine the prince’s exploitation of labor and resources to amass wealth, exploring themes of class disparity and economic inequality.
“Well,” said the prince. “Then I will conquer God too.”	This declaration reflects the prince’s hubris and delusions of grandeur, as he seeks to defy divine authority and assert his dominance over all realms, including the spiritual.	Psychoanalytic Criticism: Interpret the prince’s desire to conquer God as a manifestation of his unconscious fears and insecurities, exploring themes of power and control.
“One drop of blood, one single drop, came out of the white feathers of the angel’s wings and fell upon the ship…”	The angel’s blood serves as a symbolic representation of divine intervention and the prince’s ultimate defeat, highlighting the consequences of his defiance and arrogance.	Religious Criticism: Analyze the symbolism of the angel’s blood and its significance within the context of the story’s religious themes, exploring concepts of sin, redemption, and divine justice.
“And he spent seven years in the construction of wonderful ships to sail through the air…”	This quote demonstrates the prince’s persistence and obsession in his quest to conquer God, as he devotes immense resources and effort to the construction of formidable weapons.	Postcolonial Criticism: Examine the prince’s imperialism and colonial ambitions as a reflection of Western hegemony and cultural superiority, exploring themes of domination and resistance.
“The servants carried out his orders, but one single gnat had placed itself inside one of the coverings…”	Despite his attempts to protect himself from the gnats, the prince’s vulnerability is exposed by a single insect, leading to his humiliating defeat and descent into madness.	Ecocriticism: Interpret the gnats as agents of nature’s revenge against human hubris and environmental destruction, exploring themes of ecological balance and interconnectedness.
“who now mocked at him, the mad prince, who wished to make war with God, and was overcome by a single little gnat.”	The prince’s humiliation and downfall serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of hubris and the inevitability of divine retribution, as he is mocked by his own soldiers.	Existentialist Criticism: Analyze the prince’s existential crisis and loss of identity as he confronts the absurdity of his actions and the futility of his quest for power and meaning.