Reviews

The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen

Only show reviews with written explanations

mdevlin923's review

3.0

The tale of the Little Match Girl as she sees visions of lovely things before she freezes to death.

4 // Hans Christian Anderson never fails at making a dreadful story into something somewhat cute. (I won't be critiquing this only because it is too nostalgic and I think it would be weird to really rate a fairytale with the same standards of a novel).

geesammy's review against another edition

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emotional sad

5.0

The saddest and sweetest fairytale read by Ewan McGregor for UNICEF

ajola_ganesan's review

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emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.5

lucazani11's review

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4.0

"The Little Match Girl" is a poignant and powerful story by Hans Christian Andersen that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. The story follows a young girl who is forced to sell matches on the streets in order to support herself and her family. On a cold winter's night, she huddles in a doorway, striking her matches for warmth and comfort, and in the light of each match, she experiences visions of warmth and beauty that offer a brief respite from her harsh reality.

One of the most notable features of the story is its use of symbolism. The matches themselves represent the girl's desire for warmth and comfort, as well as her dreams and fantasies. Each time she strikes a match, she is transported to a different world, where she experiences the warmth and happiness that she lacks in her own life. The story also uses the image of a Christmas tree, which symbolizes hope and the promise of a better life.

The story is also notable for its social commentary. It depicts the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness, and the ways in which society fails to care for its most vulnerable members. The little match girl is a victim of social and economic forces beyond her control, and the story highlights the need for compassion and empathy towards those who are less fortunate.

In addition, "The Little Match Girl" is notable for its emotional impact. The story is a heart-wrenching depiction of the human experience, and it elicits a powerful emotional response from readers. The girl's suffering and ultimate death are tragic, but they also inspire feelings of empathy and compassion for those who are struggling in the world.

Finally, the story is notable for its use of language and imagery. Andersen's prose is lyrical and evocative, and he uses vivid descriptions and sensory details to transport the reader into the little match girl's world. The story is also notable for its use of repetition, which reinforces the themes of hope and perseverance that underlie the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Little Match Girl" is a masterful work of literature that uses symbolism, social commentary, emotional impact, and language to create a powerful and enduring portrait of the human experience. The story is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire empathy, compassion, and understanding, and it continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.