The Ugly Duckling

Outline

The Ugly Duckling (1843) tells the story of a young bird who is mocked and rejected for looking different from the other ducklings. After a hard and lonely winter, he discovers that he has grown into a beautiful swan. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale speaks to anyone who has felt out of place, and has become a lasting symbol of growth, patience, and discovering who you truly are.

• Being mocked and rejected for looking different says nothing true about a person's worth.
• The duckling's hard, lonely winter is part of his growth, not a sign that something is wrong with him.
• Patience pays off, because the duckling eventually grows into a beautiful swan.
• Feeling out of place is a common experience, and this story speaks to anyone who has felt it.
• Self-acceptance comes from discovering who you truly are, not from fitting in with those around you.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) was a Danish writer best known for his fairy tales, which have been translated into more languages than almost any other literary works. He also wrote novels, plays, and travel books. His tales include The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.