Introduction
Two stories by Danish author Andersen describe the childhood of different characters. While the first protagonist enjoys being a child, another one constantly feels frustration and depression. The circumstances they got into determining their perceptions. Although some similarities might be seen in their situations, the differences play a crucial role. The purpose of this paper is to discuss two stories to find the main differences, which have a greater impact on the attitude of the main characters towards their childhood.
The Comparison of Two Stories
The Snow Queen is a story about two children, Kay and Gerda, that lived in neighboring lofts. They could come to each other’s places through the windows. Hence, the children spent together all the time. Kay and Gerda were happy. However, one day, the splinters of the enchanted mirror got into Kay’s heart, and he became vicious. Things, which had been likable, appeared ugly and unpleasant to him.
“After all, these roses are very ugly!” Kay told Gerda (Andersen, The Snow Queen 3). In spite of the fact that Gerda was highly upset, she stayed positive as she believed she would help her friend. Gerda set off to encounter many difficulties. Although she was scared, the little girl did not stop. Gerda found many new friends that assisted in her dangerous endeavor. Gerda’s childish enthusiasm pushed her through it, and eventually, she broke the spell and made things work out.
This story presents the vision of an innocent little girl, who believes that love is the most important gift nature gave people. Gerda’s childhood is full of insurmountable difficulties, but she neglects them as her faith is incredibly strong. Gerda focuses only on the greatest moments Kay and she experienced together. She thinks of days when they enjoyed roses, played and sang together. Their love was true and pure. However, things went awry, and she lost her friend. Gerda’s adventure was a long one. She grew up during her journey. However, Gerda did not lose her childish qualities and remained a kind and good-natured girl. Bad characters did not change her attitude. Her kindness made them help her, and finally, she was able to rescue her friend. At the end of the story, Kay’s grandmother concluded that only the childlike nature might help people gain the kingdom of Heaven.
The Ugly Duckling is a story about a little bird, which was unwelcome and harassed during childhood. The story began when several ducklings hatched on the farm. One chick looked different from others, and inhabitants on the farm humiliated it.
“She’s just so…so…so UGLY! She’s probably dumb too,” said the mistress’s daughter (Andersen, The Ugly Duckling 4). The ugly duckling had to leave the farm and begin its sad adventure. However, the bird faced a similar attitude everywhere. The ugly duckling did not have friends as everybody showed disrespect to it. The poor bird tried to find shelter and hide from others. However, living without support got it even more down. One day, the ugly duckling saw the flock of swans. It wanted to join them, but the little bird could not fly. Again and again, it was left behind. Its entire childhood was filled with misery and deprivation. Only after growing up, the bird was able to gain everything it needed and start enjoying life.
This story describes a little creature, which is not accepted by the surrounding society. It does not understand the real reasons for that and thinks that it deserves to be marginalized. It endures difficulties, and it is always alone. Although the bird is supported occasionally, it is never enough. The protagonist does not know who it really is. Hence, it constantly feels ashamed and embarrassing. No one can help the bird to solve its problems. Eventually, after realizing its personality, the main character accepts itself and is accepted by others.
These stories show different situations. Although both main characters have to overcome certain challenges, Gerda deliberately decides to face all these problems. She is driven by her optimistic beliefs. Meanwhile, the ugly duckling is thrown into harsh circumstances from the beginning. Its childhood is full of disrespect and violence. Moreover, the bird cannot really comprehend what causes such attitude. Gerda is ready to encounter problems. She knows that life might be delightful, and she is sure it will. On the contrary, the ugly duckling never experienced happy moments. There is no source for optimism to it. Hence, the end of the bird’s childhood is the end of its suffering.
Conclusion
In described stories, one may see how confusion distorts perceptions and affects life. When a person gets in a tough situation without understanding its causes, without being morally prepared for that, it leads to further deterioration. On the other hand, a person that has a strong faith can overcome many obstacles and will not be distressed. Such an attitude attracts other people and makes them feel sympathy. Hence, much more support is given, which eventually helps a person get through difficulties. Childhood is presented as an example of a highly vulnerable state. Children should be guided until becoming mature. In another case, they are more likely to endure awful experiences.
Works Cited
Andersen, Hans. The snow queen. Courier Corporation, 2013.
The ugly duckling. IE Clark Publications, 1995.