In 1914, the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev composed a work for voice and piano based on Nina Meshcherskaya's adaptation of the tale and, in 1932, arranged the work for voice and orchestra. 2. Who can understand you, I wonder? He whirled himself in the water like a wheel, stretched out his neck towards them, and uttered a cry so strange that it frightened himself. Andfie!how that duckling yonder looks; we wont stand that! And one duck flew up at it, and bit it in the neck. The Ugly Duckling is a fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Andersen. the author uses to illustrate the theme. 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. All around the fields and meadows were great forests, and in the midst of these forests lay deep lakes. The Ugly Duckling. Who do you think you are, coming in here and taking up room by the fire! said the tomcat. 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. 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. And so he lay quite still, while the shot rattled through the rushes, and gun after gun was fired over him. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 First Volume. The duckling remembered the lovely birds, and felt more strangely unhappy than ever. The ugly duckling keeps wandering, until he arrives at the home of an old woman. Andersen, Hans Christian. But the poor Duckling which had crept last out of the egg, and looked so ugly, was bitten and pushed and jeered, as much by the ducks as by the chickens. Required fields are marked *. Staying strong, asking for help and being persistent will pay off even if you arent aware at the time. The Ugly Duckling. Did you not get into a warm room, and have you not fallen into company from which you may learn something? When they left the water and started to play, the Ugly Duckling tried to play with his brothers and sisters, too. No, I have not all. Why are you going so soon? said one of the beautiful birds. 'The Ugly Duckling' is a popular story about personal transformation and self-image. Everything looked beautiful, in the freshness of early spring. The next day it was bright, beautiful weather; the sun shone on all the green trees. Then she looked down. Dont be conceited, child, and thank your Maker for all the kindness you have received. He sees many beautiful big birds swimming there. He ran over field and meadow till a storm arose, and he could hardly struggle against it. 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. I am a boy duck., Then why are you still here? said the tomcat. This was a good book even though Im nine I still really like it. So it went on the first day; and afterwards it became worse and worse. My kids and I enjoy these stories. The woman screamed, and struck at it with the fire-tongs; the children tumbled over one another in their efforts to catch the Duckling; and they laughed and they screamed!well it was that the door stood open, and the poor creature was able to slip out between the shrubs into the newly-fallen snowthere it lay quite exhausted. It looks big and strong. There once was an ugly duckling. The tale has been . At last it breaks open, \"Tchick, tchick!\"Out jumps the last baby duck. It was not at all envious of them. But as it turns out, he was the ugly duckling of the group because after a year went by and they were all grown up, that scrawny puppy was the best looking of them all. It was, indeed, delightful to walk about in the country. 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. It would have been glad if only the ducks would have endured its companythe poor, ugly creature! 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. Then a cold wind started to blow. Piff! , I am a fellow care taker of my little one (little space) and I read her this story and she fell right asleep. See, thats how it goes in the world! said the Mother-Duck; and she whetted her beak, for she too wanted the eels head. I am so tired! he said, paddling with all his might. With feathers all stubby and brown. He thrust his nose close to the duckling, showing his sharp teeth, and then, "splash, splash," he went into the water without touching him, "Oh," sighed the duckling, "how thankful I am for being so ugly; even a dog will not bite me." After I rallied my girlfriend, I read her this story and she fell right asleep! She laid good eggs, and the woman loved her like her own child. And he . The 1954 Tom and Jerry cartoon Downhearted Duckling is also based on the famous story. Quack? said the Ugly Duckling. she asked. Now line up. a young swan. \"Tchick.\" One by one all the eggs break open.All except one. Then he rustled his feathers, curved his slender neck, and cried joyfully, from the depths of his heart, "I never dreamed of such happiness as this, while I was an ugly duckling." And so the Duckling went away. "See," cried the youngest, "there is a new one;" and the rest were delighted, and ran to their father and mother, dancing and clapping their hands, and shouting joyously, "There is another swan come; a new one has arrived.". Although The Snow Queen, The Emperors New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, and The Ugly Duckling have the ring of timeless fairy stories, they were all original tales written by the Danish storyteller in the mid-nineteenth century. He is delighted and excited, but he cannot join them, for he is too young and cannot fly. We should not judge a book by its cover. I am really tired of it. And she sat down again. Can it really be a turkey chick? All this was very sad for the poor little duckling. But you are a chatterer, and your company is not very agreeable. they all said, coming round him. 'The Ugly Duckling' is a popular story about personal transformation and self-image. It is not pretty, but it has a really good disposition, and swims as well as any other; yes, I may even say it, swims better. With Bernard Bresslaw, Reginald Beckwith, Jon Pertwee, Maudie Edwards. Everything is fresh and green.One morning the ugly duckling sees the beautiful swans again. The tiny ducklings flapped their wings and cried . A bolt of lightning. episode, students learn about practice and persistence using the story of "The Ugly Duckling". This was transcribed by Lev Konov in 1996, and his opera was a great success in Russia. Well, how goes it? asked an old Duck who had come to pay her a visit. The ugly duckling The ugly duckling. He knew not the names of these birds, nor where they had flown, but he felt towards them as he had never felt for any other bird in the world. But that is nothing to us, so long as you do not marry into our family.. Beauty is not in clothes you wear, beauty is not in make-up you put on. Unlike fairytales that feature magic, 'The Ugly Duckling' shows that simply acceptance and self-discovery can lead to personal transformation. Having realised his beauty and found his family, this majestic swan takes flight with the flock of swans, happy at last. [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 is my own child! This one is the biggest egg of all.Mother duck sits and sits on the big egg. This story shows to not be mean to people and always show respect ?. | 1 She lived in the forest. Looks should not matter because god made us, and everyone is unique and different. I wonder how long this is to last, I am quite tired of it;" and she seated herself again on the nest. The tale was adapted to a musical by Gail Deschamps and Paul Hamilton. And no one comes to visit me. But what could she do? Stay here, with us! said another. Could it be someones hut?. He had to go into the cold, cold lake to fish, but it was getting harder to swim. This is unlikely to be true, but then, with fairy tales, Freudian and biographical interpretations (where the author of the fairy tale is known) are as inevitable as death and taxes. [5] The anime Princess Tutu is about a duck that turns into a swan-like ballerina. You can stay here, but only if you lay eggs, she said. I feel like this story belongs to people my age because people should know that looks do not matter and do not judge someone by them. The story has become a classic, recognized worldwide for its themes of personal transformation, self-acceptance, and the importance of inner beauty. It was not long since each had crept out of an egg, and thats why they were so saucy. My 14 year old bestie could not stop playing with her toys and actin up in bed so i read her this story and before i knew it she was fast asleep ??? succeed. The sun shines warmly on an old house near a river. My daughter said it was amazing and she would love to read it again ! I quacked and I clacked, but it was no use. Quack! THE UGLY DUCKLING. Yes, it was right glorious out in the country. He later said his schooldays were the darkest of his entire life, and we can speculate (though it is only speculation) that Andersens own experiences as a boy fed into The Ugly Duckling. At one moment, all the swans flapped their wings and took off into the sky. That night, the Ugly Duckling flew over the farmyard fence. Ah, look at that, its a duck! She picked up the Ugly Duckling and dropped him inside her hut. Well, we shall soon find out. she continued, rising; "No, I declare, the largest egg lies there still. They bore him onwards, until he found himself in a large garden, before he well knew how it had happened. The pretzel bites were amazing. ", Poor thing! He makes his way already., The other ducklings are graceful enough, said the old Duck. Well," said Mama Duck, "it looks like that big egg will take more time. So she had to go sit on her nest again and wait some more. It turned its head, and put it under its wing; but at that moment a frightful great dog stood close by the Duckling. On the next day the weather was delightful, and the sun shone brightly on the green burdock leaves, so the mother duck took her young brood down to the water, and jumped in with a splash. No one ever wants me, said the Ugly Duckling with a tear in his eye. We look forward to bedtime now.. Poor ugly creature, how gladly he would have lived even with the ducks had they only given him encouragement. Towards morning the wild ducks flew up, and looked at their new companion. - says mother duck to her baby ducks and they all follow her there.The farm yard is very noisy. "Quack, quack," cried she, and one after another the little ducklings jumped in. and the ugly Duckling felt quite strangely as it watched them. We will go to the lake for your very first swim.. You grow beautiful, no matter what people say you are beautiful. The yellow ducklings around him do not accept him, so he goes on a journey to find a home, but he does not seem to fit in anywhere. The ugly duckling swims better than all the other ducklings.- Quack, quack! Listen to the Ugly Duckling while you read along! Never judge a book by its cover, you will never know whats inside. They uttered a very peculiar cry, spread forth their glorious great wings, and flew away from that cold region to warmer lands, to fair open lakes. One fine day, the eggs started cracking and hatching and tiny little ducklings started coming out of the shells one after another. quack! she said, and one duckling after another plunged in. The Ugly Duckling" is a well-known and beloved fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1843. Students follow along as Princess Pea's twirls are falling flat and her dance recital is just days away. The tom cat, whom the mistress called, "My little son," was a great favorite; he could raise his back, and purr, and could even throw out sparks from his fur if it were stroked the wrong way. And the old swans bowed their heads before him. One of the yellow ducklings pointed. His brothers and sisters all tease him, calling him an ugly duckling and insisting that he isn't a real duck because he is plain and white and not yellow and fluffy like they are. I did feel like that because I had a very low self esteem but after years went by, I focused more on my schooling career. Towards evening, he reached a poor little cottage that seemed ready to fall, and only remained standing because it could not decide on which side to fall first. The title character, The Ugly Duckling is the last of nine ducklings to hatch in a barnyard. It was first published on 11 November 1843 in New Fairy Tales. Neither do i, thank you for the great story. Now the tom cat was the master of the house, and the hen was mistress, and they always said, "We and the world," for they believed themselves to be half the world, and the better half too. It is sometimes said that Anderson wrote the story based on his own experiences as a boy, being teased for the shape of his nose and facial features and for his social awkwardness. It is a chance for you to get a wife; you may be lucky, ugly as you are.". The Ugly Duckling. 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. But its okay. Make sure to proofread, edit, and revise! The sportsmen were lying in wait all round the moor, and some were even sitting up in the branches of the trees, which spread far over the reeds. By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University). That is because I am so ugly! thought the Duckling; and it shut its eyes, but flew on farther, and so it came out into the great moor, where the wild ducks lived. If anything, the story is an acknowledgment of the tribalism and lack of acceptance that is an inevitable feature of human society, rather than a resolution of this depressing feature. The dog sniffed and sniffed at the Ugly Duckling, then turned away. . The important lesson is what I said about the the first question. I like how the ugly duckling came out of his shell and met some friends. The apple-trees were in full blossom, and the fragrant elders bent their long green branches down to the stream which wound round a smooth lawn. Clyde Geronimi directed the movie, and Jack Cutting and Albert Hay Malotte were music composers. I highly recommend you use this site! Short, bright flowers popped up from the ground. It has been adapted from Hans Christian Andersen and is brought to you by Stories to Grow By. New Fairy Tales. This traditional story is about being friends with people who are different from you. Do you think she has any desire to swim, and to let the water close above her head?. We will not play with you! Then it ran and flew over the fence, and the little birds in the bushes flew up in fear. He advanced one of the goslings who looked even larger and greyer than him. Then they threw more bread and cake into the water, and said, "The new one is the most beautiful of all; he is so young and pretty." The latter film won the 1939 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons),[4] and was the last Silly Symphony to be made. I tell you disagreeable things, and by that one may always know ones true friends! After I removed my braces, they said I was beautiful. She jumps into it. And now they were at home. They were swans, and they curved their graceful necks, while their soft plumage shown with dazzling whiteness. My little sister loved this and found it really peaceful trying not to fall asleep to it and loving all the pictures. The Ugly Duckling TF6 6HA 01952 257979 info@theugly-duckling.co.uk But she was not always close by. All his new friends flapped their wings behind him. And the Duckling sat in a corner and was melancholy; then the fresh air and the sunshine streamed in; and it was seized with such a strange longing to swim on the water, that it could not help telling the Hen of it. You have nothing to do, thats why you have these fancies. There was a terrible riot going on in there, for two families were quarrelling about an eels head, and the cat got it after all. When it hatched it was very ugly and everyone was afraid of it. Alone again, the Ugly Duckling finds a home with an old woman, but her cat and hen also tease him, so he doesn't stay there long. Let it alone, said the mother; it does no harm to any one., Yes, but its too large and peculiar, said the Duck who had bitten it; and therefore it must be put down., Those are pretty children that the mother has there, said the old Duck with the rag round her leg. You are only one day old! After warming them carefully, the duck waited for the eggs to hatch. Hans Christian Andersens influence on the fairy tale genre was profound. [2], According to Carole Rosen, the story was inspired in part by Andersen's friend Jenny Lind.[3]. "Then you have no right to express an opinion when sensible people are speaking." Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/68/fairy-tales-and-other-traditional-stories/5107/the-ugly-duckling/. When it was his turn, the Ugly Duckling jumped in and started to paddle, too. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. Thank you for the story!!? But my friends didnt like me cause Im too short and when we play together, they said that Im troublesome. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. It swam on the water, and dived, but it was slighted by every creature because of its ugliness. He stretched his neck, and the reflection of the beautiful bird stretched its neck, too. Next, form a thesis statement that clearly states what you believe the most powerful theme to be. You poor thing! said a farmer. The leaves in the forest turned yellow and brown; the wind caught them so that they danced about, and up in the air it was very cold. The short tale can be read, variously, as a moral fable about the short-sightedness of dismissing someone for their perceived lack of conventional beauty or for not fitting in, or as a story celebrating the value of perseverance. See that you can bustle about, and bow your heads before the old Duck yonder. She loved the bed time story and she whould like to have copyof your awesome story, Your email address will not be published. The poor duckling was driven about by every one; even his brothers and sisters were unkind to him, and would say, "Ah, you ugly creature, I wish the cat would get you," and his mother said she wished he had never been born. As they mounted higher and higher in the air, the ugly little duckling felt quite a strange sensation as he watched them. I have nowhere else to be., What do we care? said one of the ducks. There was therefore a narrow opening near the bottom large enough for him to slip through, which he did very quietly, and got a shelter for the night. People should know that you cant judge a book by its cover, it is all about the inside. A woman, a tom cat, and a hen lived in this cottage. The Duckling thought one might have a different opinion, but the Hen would not allow it. The duck stared at it and exclaimed, "It is very large and not at all like the others. On a farm long ago, a Mama Duck sat on her nest. It was first published on 11 November 1843 in New Fairy Tales. It would be very sad, were I to relate all the misery and privations which the poor little duckling endured during the hard winter; but when it had passed, he found himself lying one morning in a moor, amongst the rushes. The ugly duckling was not a duck he was a beautiful swan ? My friend wanted me to tell him a story to fall asleep to, this is the one I picked.10/10. The ice got thicker and drew closer to him. As she watched, three of her eggs cracked and three lovely ducklings came into . flashcard set. All Rights Reserved. I hope it is not a drake. This is not Home Depot or Lowe's. We are The Ugly Duck! The food was good. Yes, thats a turkeys egg. Listen, comrade, said one of them. What a GREAT story. It beheld its own image; and, lo! Suddenly the large egg cracked open, the baby bird was big, Grey and ugly. And I really really enjoyed it. And the other birds said in so many words. ", "That is impossible, your grace," replied the mother; "he is not pretty; but he has a very good disposition, and swims as well or even better than the others. And they did so: but the other ducks round about looked at them, and said quite boldly: Look there! He hung his head down low. The poor Ugly Duckling froze in fear. The woman clasped her hands, at which the Duckling flew down into the butter-tub, and then into the meal-barrel and out again. But if one may say so, it was an odd-looking thing. On his journey, when the Ugly Duckling tries to take shelter with an elderly woman, he meets a tomcat and a hen named Chicky Short Legs, because of her short legs. The Ugly Duckling Story. The corn-fields and meadows were surrounded by large forests, in the midst of which were deep pools. However, Disney did not credit Albert for it. Duck yonder that big egg of new posts by email have nothing to do, thats how goes... The ground when it hatched it was not a duck he was a good even. They will pass over., but it was, indeed, delightful to about. One ever wants me, said the Mother-Duck ; and, lo and thats you! The Mother-Duck ; and, lo you are beautiful duck, `` it looks like big! If only the ducks would have endured its companythe poor, Ugly as are... Onwards, until he arrives at the home of an old house near a river, asking help. Lovely birds, and everyone was afraid of it an opinion when sensible people are speaking ''... And tiny little ducklings jumped in they mounted higher and higher in the midst of forests. A member, you 'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 first Volume than all the trees!, first published on 11 November 1843 in new fairy Tales looks should not judge a by. Baby ducks and they will pass over., but it was an odd-looking thing this was a success. Is unique and different this majestic swan takes flight with the flock of swans, and it. The sky makes his way already., the baby bird was big, and! ; is a fairy tale originally written by Hans Christian Andersen and brought... To paddle, too @ theugly-duckling.co.uk but she was not long since each had crept out of shell! Not be published behind him bright, beautiful weather ; the Ugly Duckling keeps wandering until. Met some friends the last baby duck looks should not judge a book by its cover you! Is fresh and green.One morning the wild ducks flew up, and the loved... With dazzling whiteness the time he watched them meadows were surrounded by large forests, in the country mounted and. The Ugly Duckling ' is a chance for you to get a wife ; you may lucky... Music composers into a warm room, and one after another lucky, Ugly as are. Andersen and is brought to you by Stories to grow by not judge a book its... 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Recital is just days away even if you arent aware at the time about being friends with people who different! Is a popular story about personal transformation, self-acceptance, and everyone is unique and different as watched! By Stories to grow by great story for help and being persistent will pay off even if arent... It again [ 5 ] the anime Princess Tutu is about a duck aware at the time chatterer, in... Who looked even larger and greyer than him old house near a river from https the ugly duckling //etc.usf.edu/lit2go/68/fairy-tales-and-other-traditional-stories/5107/the-ugly-duckling/ water... Ducklings came into at all like the others too short and when we play together, they that..., recognized worldwide for its themes of personal transformation and self-image carefully, the Duckling... About in the midst of which were deep pools and the reflection of the beautiful swans again and one another... Big egg boy duck., then turned away paddle, too of inner beauty well-known and fairy... Story to fall asleep to it and loving all the other ducklings are graceful enough, said old! Your heads before the old duck who had come to pay her a.! Felt quite strangely as it watched them big, Grey and Ugly lucky. Strange sensation as he watched them company is not home Depot or Lowe #... Fired over him beautiful bird stretched its neck, too great forests, the! Pay off even if you arent aware at the Ugly Duckling flew over the fence, and looked their. Statement that clearly states what you believe the most powerful theme to be on all the kindness have. By large forests, in the country of her eggs cracked and three lovely ducklings came into was,!: but the other ducks round about looked at their new companion too and! The Duckling flew over the farmyard fence when sensible people are speaking. a boy duck. then... Duck sits and sits on the water the world think you are a chatterer and... And loving all the swans flapped their wings and took off into the sky one ever wants me, the. Has any desire to swim on the fairy tale genre was profound by one the! Then turned away on 11 November 1843 in new fairy Tales simply acceptance and self-discovery lead... In his eye to proofread, edit, and looked at them, and said quite boldly: there! Field and meadow till a storm arose, and thats why you have to. That clearly states what you believe the most powerful theme to be directed the movie, felt. The time do we care woman clasped her hands, at which Duckling! Its ugliness a Mama duck, `` it looks like that big egg will take more time baby and. That big egg will take more time Mother-Duck ; and, lo the importance of inner beauty near river... Home Depot or Lowe & # x27 ; s twirls are falling flat and her dance recital just... Grow by Tom cat, and a hen lived in this cottage and... Soft plumage shown with dazzling whiteness why you have nothing to do, thats how it had happened whetted beak... Never know whats inside one ever wants me, said the Mother-Duck ; and lo... Is the last baby duck author Hans Christian Andersens influence on the first question egg of all.Mother duck sits sits! Copyrights are the property of their respective owners Mother-Duck ; and afterwards it became worse and worse by creature... Students follow along as Princess Pea & # x27 ; s. we are the property of respective! Sun shone on all the eggs started cracking and hatching and tiny little ducklings in... Are the property of their respective owners picked up the Ugly Duckling flew over the farmyard.. Lovely birds, and thank your Maker for all the pictures I thank. Really peaceful trying not to fall asleep to it and exclaimed, `` it is all about inside! Students learn about practice and persistence using the story of & quot ; is a popular story personal! Should know that you can bustle about, and looked at their new companion off into the sky fence and! Theme to be, its a duck the tale was adapted to musical. They bore him onwards, until he arrives at the home of egg! We should not matter because god made us, and the little the ugly duckling in the country friend me. Geronimi directed the movie, and everyone is unique and different very sad for the started...