Chinese Language New Curriculum Standard Required Reading Series (Revised Edition) - Primary School Part: Andersen's Fables Selection

Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) was a famous Danish writer of the 19th century. On New Year's Day in 1835, he wrote to a friend, "I am now going to write fairy tales for children. You must know that I want to win over the next generation!" After he began writing fairy tales, he once told a friend, "I pour all my emotions and thoughts into writing fairy tales, but at the same time, I haven’t forgotten adults. When I write a story for children, I always remember that their parents will be listening nearby. Therefore, I also have to write something for them to think about." These two passages reveal his attitude and purpose in writing fairy tales: his fairy tales are meant to be read to children, so they must be accessible and easy to understand, while also making the parents nearby "think." In other words, his fairy tales are not only meant to educate children but also adults. Therefore, his fairy tales are written not only for children and adolescents but also for adults—in fact, there is much in them that is even worth reflecting on and "thinking about" when we are old.