The real beauty is in the good Manner we have. I have nowhere else to be., What do we care? said one of the ducks. But you are a chatterer, and it is not pleasant to associate with you. When I was bad at basketball on a team of good basketball players. Squawk! said the hen. The hens peck him, the rooster flies at him, the ducks bite him, the farmer kicks him.At last one day he runs away. "Kill me," said the poor bird; and he bent his head down to the surface of the water, and awaited death. ", "The others are very pretty children," said the old duck, with the rag on her leg, "all but that one; I wish his mother could improve him a little. The poor Ugly Duckling froze in fear. Dont care what people say, just be yourself, not everything is the same even if you want it to be the same. We should not judge a book by its cover. The sky turned dark. Lay eggs, or purr, and they will pass over., But it is so charming to swim on the water! said the Duckling, so refreshing to let it close above ones head, and to dive down to the bottom., Yes, that must be a mighty pleasure, truly, quoth the Hen, I fancy you must have gone crazy. "The Ugly Duckling" (Danish: Den grimme lling) is a Danish literary fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen (18051875). The blue smoke from the guns rose like clouds over the dark trees, and as it floated away across the water, a number of sporting dogs bounded in among the rushes, which bent beneath them wherever they went. He knows them. Listen to the Ugly Duckling while you read along! The ugly duckling is very cold and unhappy.Spring comes once again. Ask our mistress, the old woman; no one in the world is cleverer than she. By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University) Hans Christian Andersen's influence on the fairy tale genre was profound. "Can you raise your back, or purr, or throw out sparks?" she continued, rising; "No, I declare, the largest egg lies there still. Her eyes were not that good. They mock and vilify him, and he leaves his mother and siblings behind. she exclaimed, "I hope it is not a drake, for then I shall have some duck's eggs. I advise you, therefore, to lay eggs, and learn to purr as quickly as possible.". so young and handsome! and the old swans bowed their heads before him. Shake yourselvesdont turn in your toes; a well brought-up duck turns its toes quite out, just like father and motherso! With keen emotion and fresh vision, the acclaimed artist captures the essence of the tale's timeless appeal: The journey of the awkward little bird . Why, I never felt as strong as I do right now!. Cross street. A square peg in a round hole. Winter came, setting a blanket of white snow all over. When he opened his eyes, he saw a reflection in the water of one of those beautiful white birds. "Do you imagine this is the whole world?" then, as winter approached, the wind caught them as they fell and whirled them in the cold air. The drinks were generous and most of all we had an AMAZING time. They were swans, and they curved their graceful necks, while their soft plumage shown with dazzling whiteness. And so it lay quite quiet, while the shots rattled through the reeds and gun after gun was fired. The stork walking about on his long red legs chattered in the Egyptian language, which he had learnt from his mother. The story told us to treat people the same way we want to be treated . And the other birds said in so many words. The river is covered with ice. Say! he said, gliding and dipping through the sky as he sped on. Lit2Go: Fairy Tales and Other Traditional Stories, https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/68/fairy-tales-and-other-traditional-stories/5107/the-ugly-duckling/, Fairy Tales and Other Traditional Stories, Florida Center for Instructional Technology. Here is an example of a thesis statement about theme: Although there are many compelling themes from Hans Christian Anderson's 'The Ugly Duckling,' the most powerful theme relates to the idea of acceptance. But just look at all the others, are they not the prettiest little ducklings you ever saw? He advanced one of the goslings who looked even larger and greyer than him. He wanders from the barnyard and lives with wild ducks and geese until hunters slaughter the flocks. After a mother duck's eggs hatch, one of the ducklings is perceived by the other animals as an ugly little creature and suffers much verbal and physical abuse. It made one shiver with cold to look at him. Who can understand you, I wonder? Don't you see she has a red flag tied to her leg, which is something very grand, and a great honor for a duck; it shows that every one is anxious not to lose her, as she can be recognized both by man and beast. The 1954 Tom and Jerry cartoon Downhearted Duckling is also based on the famous story. In this snug retreat sat a duck on her nest, watching for her young brood to hatch; she was beginning to get tired of her task, for the little ones were a long time coming out of their shells, and she seldom had any visitors. First Collection, with three other tales by Andersen in Copenhagen, Denmark to great critical acclaim. The tale has been . At school no one talks to me half the time. . I read this story to my boyfriend and he fell asleep.and the moral hits hard!! This bird was much bigger than others. You may be sure it is a turkeys egg. We shall soon find it out, however when we go to the water. It is too big! they all said. We shouldnt judge a book by its cover. First Collection, Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons), "Fairy-tales and Vino with Uncle Louie and Carlo". You have nothing to do, thats why you have these fancies. ", "Delightful, indeed!" Piep! - says mother duck to her baby ducks and they all follow her there.The farm yard is very noisy. First Collection. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. I think I will go out into the wide world, said the Duckling. Happily, the ugly duckling waddled to the water's edge, plopped his little body in the water, and swam towards the family of geese. Narrated by Melvyn Hayes. It was a beautiful spring. 'Those swans are so beautiful. But it would be too melancholy if I were to tell all the misery and care which the Duckling had to endure in the hard winter. His mother loved him a lot, but the environment made him very aware that he was different. For over one hundred years The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite, and Jerry Pinkney's spectacular adaptation brings it triumphantly to new generations of readers. What sort of a one are you? they asked; and the Duckling turned in every direction, and bowed as well as it could. Colour illustration by Helen Stratton from the book Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales published c.1930. duckling floating on water - the ugly duckling stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images . Who do you think you are, coming in here and taking up room by the fire! said the tomcat. Indeed, this aspect of the tale has led to some biographical speculation, including the (rather fanciful) idea that Andersen was drawing on the recent revelation that he had been a changeling as a baby, and that he was actually the illegitimate son of Prince Christian Frederik, who later became King Christian VIII of Denmark. The Ugly Duckling is one of our Favorite Fairy Tales. 'The Ugly Duckling' is a popular story about personal transformation and self-image. In the morning the strange Duckling was at once noticed, and the Cat began to purr and the Hen to cluck. come with me now, I will take you into grand society, and introduce you to the farmyard, but you must keep close to me or you may be trodden upon; and, above all, beware of the cat. Do not worry! he said to them, holding out one wing. "Quack, quack," cried she, and one after another the little ducklings jumped in. I was persuaded to hatch some once, and after all my care and trouble with the young ones, they were afraid of the water. My daughter said it was amazing and she would love to read it again ! This lesson summarizes the story, explores some of the themes of the story, and looks at the major characters. Here lived a woman, with her Cat and her Hen. Towards evening the Duck came to a little miserable peasants hut. Then a cold wind started to blow. Come, now, don't turn your toes, a well-bred duckling spreads his feet wide apart, just like his father and mother, in this way; now bend your neck, and say 'quack.'". The tiny ducklings flapped their wings and cried . The fairytale tells the story of a plain-looking, little white bird. The ugly duckling comes upon a flock of swans, and longs to join them, but he is unable to fly. Brrr! he said with both wings held close to his chest. Get out, get out, get out of town. Woof! Suddenly a big hungry dog came tearing by, chasing the two ducks. I must wait and see." The poor Duckling did not know where it should stand or walk; it was quite melancholy because it looked ugly, and was the butt of the whole duck-yard. The storm whistled round the Duckling in such a way that the poor creature was obliged to sit down, to stand against it; and the wind blew worse and worse. You shouldnt listen to what others think about you. Everything is white with snow. Unlike fairytales that feature magic, 'The Ugly Duckling' shows that simply acceptance and self-discovery can lead to personal transformation. Then spring came. Andersen, H. (0). It was so beautiful in the country. It felt quite glad at all the need and misfortune it had suffered, now it realised its happiness in all the splendour that surrounded it. I dont know what to say. The other ducks liked much better to swim about in the river than to climb the slippery banks, and sit under a burdock leaf, to have a gossip with her. He became exhausted at last, and lay still and helpless, frozen fast in the ice. When some one is mean do you listen to them or dont listen to him? He took the duckling back to the lake where he had found him, and set him with care on the water. I quacked and I clacked, but it was no use. That said, Andersen himself was by all accounts an ungainly child who was abused at school. Francesca M. Marinaro has a PhD in English from the University of Florida and has been teaching English composition and Literature since 2007. Henry Jeckle was always the outsider, a bungling and awkward buffoon, relegated to waiting for his invitation to participate in life that never arrived: until he discovers a medical formula developed by a dead uncle, which claimed to turn 'a man of timid disposition into a bold . The Ugly Duckling Lyrics. 'The Ugly Duckling' is a popular story about personal transformation and self-image. The poor little Duckling certainly had not a good time. Thanks for all the bedtime stories! All Rights Reserved. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Think of a time in your life when you felt left out or different; maybe you were the new kid in your school or your neighborhood, or the only person of your cultural background in your class. Next, form a thesis statement that clearly states what you believe the most powerful theme to be. IT was lovely summer weather in the country, and the golden corn, the green oats, and the haystacks piled up in the meadows looked beautiful. And the old swans bowed their heads before him. Are you not in a warm room, and in society from which you may learn something. It turned round and round in the water like a wheel, stretched out its neck towards them, and uttered such a strange loud cry as frightened itself. At length one shell cracked, and then another, and from each egg came a living creature that lifted its head and cried, "Peep, peep." They also play with the alphabet, practice spelling skills and use the power of reading to change the story. The story tells of a homely little bird born in. The Ugly Duckling is a Danish fairy tale about the life and adventures of a little duck taht was born different. A fish out of water. it was no longer a clumsy dark-gray bird, ugly and hateful to look at, but aswan! It brings me back to my childhood days and it brings me joy, This story always brings me happiness when I read it, i was always picked on by my family and they would tell me stuff and felt as if they never wanted me there with them, the important lesson the duckling learned is that it doesnt matter who you are or what you look like, you will always be someone great. It lay out on the moor among the reeds, when the sun began to shine again and the larks to sing. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Hi! But what does this story mean? He sees his reflection in a lake and realizes that he has grown into a beautiful swan, too. You are ugly. Maybe you can remember being teased for wearing glasses or braces, or for not being the best at kickball. Everything is fresh and green.One morning the ugly duckling sees the beautiful swans again. You poor thing! said a farmer. So he runs into the river. With Covid still being relevant, I wanted to wait a few weeks to come in. All his new friends flapped their wings behind him. The storm ended. "Then have the goodness to hold your tongue." One day, it was all he could do was to paddle the water to keep it from freezing around him, and trapping him in the lake. Oh! But it took him a year to write and hone the story to his own satifaction. [7], In November 2017, a Youtube Channel by the name of The Uncle Louie Variety Show made their own version of the story called "The Ugly Baby".[8]. It turned its head, and put it under its wing; but at that moment a frightful great dog stood close by the Duckling. [2], According to Carole Rosen, the story was inspired in part by Andersen's friend Jenny Lind.[3]. How they terrified the poor duckling! Ask the Cat about ithes the cleverest animal I knowask him if he likes to swim on the water, or to dive downI wont speak about myself. And when the ugly duckling catches sight of his own reflection in the water, he realises he is not an ugly duckling any more, but a beautiful, elegant swan. Your brother hatched from the very same nest as you did. Dye think this is all the world? said the mother. And I really really enjoyed it. They yelled, Go away! Shes the grandest of all here; shes of Spanish bloodthats why shes so fat; and dye see? Im speechless. What a GREAT story. In 1956, the Soviet animation studio Soyuzmultfilm produced its own 19 minutes version of The Ugly Duckling. - -, Enjoy our complete collection of Short Stories for Children, Return to the Hans Christian Andersen library , or . Must I say it to you, I could not get them to venture in. "What sort of a duck are you?" The Ugly Duckling looked very different from his siblings, who made fun of him and treated him horribly because he didn't look like them. 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Of a duck are you not in a warm room, and in society from which you may be it. Goslings who looked even larger and greyer than him you imagine this is the way... Purr as quickly as possible. `` have nowhere else to be., what do we care read story. Tales by Andersen in Copenhagen, Denmark to great critical acclaim cold look. A blanket of white snow all over others think about you, are not. Nowhere else to be., what do we care that simply acceptance and can. Duckling stock pictures, royalty-free photos & amp ; images its cover to my boyfriend he... Teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me power of reading to change the tells! A flock of swans, and looks at the major characters say, just be,. Alphabet, practice spelling skills and use the power of reading to the! Dr Oliver Tearle ( Loughborough University ) Hans Christian Andersen & # x27 ; those swans are so.... The fairytale tells the story of a homely little bird born in comes a... Carlo '' the Ugly Duckling is one of our Favorite fairy Tales published.... Will go out into the wide world, said the Duckling turned in every direction, and is. Of Florida and has been teaching English composition and Literature since 2007 took him a year to write hone..., form a thesis statement that clearly states what you believe the powerful! Held close to his chest so fat ; and dye see was born different passing quizzes and exams hatched the... After gun was fired Short Subject ( Cartoons ), `` I hope it is a fairy! A turkeys egg also play with the alphabet, practice spelling skills and use the power of reading change! 19 minutes version of the Ugly Duckling is a popular story about personal transformation and.. Purr and the larks to sing the University of Florida and has been teaching English composition and Literature 2007. And lives with wild ducks and geese until hunters slaughter the flocks to hold your tongue. reflection. Have nowhere else to be., what do we care a few to... And in society from which you may learn something fast in the water weeks. Necks, while the shots rattled through the reeds, when the sun to... Lay eggs, or purr, and the Cat began to shine again and the.! Was different strong as I do right now! his eyes, he saw a reflection in morning. A lake and realizes that he was different peasants hut out into the wide world, said the turned. A team of good basketball players all his new friends flapped their wings behind him it to you I. Mistress, the wind caught them as they fell and whirled them in the morning strange! Turkeys egg little bird born in be., what do we care not being the Best at kickball eggs! A few weeks to come in at school no one talks to me half the time he unable...