Thumbelina Characters
- Thumbelina's mother. The story begins with a woman who dreamed of having a child and went to the witch for help. ...
- A fairy. A fairy is an image of a person, on the contrary to Thumbelina's mother, with the ability to be creative.
- Thumbelina. ...
- The old toad. ...
- Toad's son. ...
- The cockchafer. ...
- The field mouse. ...
- A mole. ...
- The swallow. ...
- The king of flowers, the king of elves. ...
Who are the minor characters in Thumbelina?
It includes action and characteristics of Thumbelina as the major character and minor characters such as the toad, the toad's son, a cockchafer, a mole, the swallow, etc. The story begins with a woman who dreamed of having a child and went to the witch for help.
What is the plot of the story Thumbelina?
It includes action and characteristics of Thumbelina as the major character and minor characters such as the toad, the toad's son, a cockchafer, a mole, the swallow, etc. The story begins with a woman who dreamed of having a child and went to the witch for help. Why didn't she give birth to a child on her own, didn't she adopt an orphan?
Is Thumbelina A small girl?
If so, you can probably imagine how the tiny title character in Hans Christian Andersen's ''Thumbelina'' often feels. Thumbelina is very small, but she is also kind and beautiful. Let's learn more about our tiny heroine and a few of the important characters in Andersen's fairy tale.
What kind of creatures are interested in Thumbelina?
As often happens with pretty girls in fairy tales, there are several creatures interested in Thumbelina. Some of these creatures are an ugly toad, a mole, and a handsome tiny prince.
How would you describe the character of Thumbelina?
Personality. Thumbelina is a sweet and beautiful teenage girl with long strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, and glossy pink lips. Despite her small size, she has a massive heart and is extremely romantic. She can easily be brought down by the world but is known for having good friends to keep her afloat.
What is the setting of the story of Thumbelina?
The story's setting changes when Thumbelina and the bird fly to a land that stays warm all year around. The bird later returns to Denmark, where the story begins.
What is the theme of the story Thumbelina?
The tale of the tiny girl explores many themes, from kindness to greed. Several characters are motivated by greed in wanting Thumbelina for themselves. Another theme is peer pressure, as the cockroach questions if Thumbelina is as pretty as he thought she is just because his friends say she is ugly.
Why was the girl named Thumbelina?
Thumbelina: analysis 'Thumbelina' was translated into English twice in 1846: by Mary Howitt, who got rid of the old witch at the beginning of the story because she disliked its superstitious flavour; and by the wonderfully named Charles Boner, who renamed Thumbelina, for some reason, 'Little Ellie'.
What is the conflict in Thumbelina?
external conflict: Thumbelina was kidnapped by a ugly toad that wanted her to marry her son. internal conflict: Thumbelina was lonely, then she finds a mole, and has to decide if she wants to marry him or not.
Who married Thumbelina?
Jacquimo finds the Vale of the Fairies and takes Thumbelina there. She and Cornelius reunite, and she magically grows her own pair of wings upon accepting his proposal and kissing him. With her mother and the fairy court in attendance, the two marry and depart on Cornelius' bumblebee.
What is the moral lesson of Thumbelina?
The moral of this story is clear that we will encounter many problems and obstacles in our life. Many of doing something that we don't want, but as long as we are true to ourselves, honest and kind, just like Thumbelina, we will overcome these obstacles and in the end get what is best for us.
What role does the butterfly play in Thumbelina?
The butterfly that helps her move down the river is a symbol of rebirth and resurrection, and receiving a second chance at a better life. Thumbelina's encounter with the butterfly is also a foreshadowing of Thumbelina's fate, as she in the end of the tale, will too become a “celestial winged creature”.
Who stole Thumbelina from her home?
Proudly, the mother toad took the still sleeping Thumbelina to a patch of lily pads and placed her on the smallest one. Then she went back to where her son was now lying in a large puddle of mud and the two of them began to construct a house of mud and reeds fit for the new bride.
Who wrote the Thumbelina fairy tale?
Followed by. "The Naughty Boy". Thumbelina / ˌθʌmbəˈliːnə / ( Danish: Tommelise) is a literary fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen first published by C. A. Reitzel on 16 December 1835 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with "The Naughty Boy" and "The Travelling Companion" in the second instalment of Fairy Tales Told for Children.
What is Thumbelina's cradle?
One night, Thumbelina, asleep in her walnut-shell cradle , is carried off by a toad who wants her as a bride for her son. With the help of friendly fish and a butterfly, Thumbelina escapes the toad and her son, and drifts on a lily pad until captured by a stag beetle who later discards her when his friends reject her company.
What is the origin of Thumbelina?
Thumbelina is chiefly Andersen's invention, though he did take inspiration from tales of miniature people such as " Tom Thumb ". Thumbelina was published as one of a series of seven fairy tales in 1835 which were not well received by the Danish critics who disliked their informal style and their lack of morals. One critic, however, applauded Thumbelina. The earliest English translation of Thumbelina is dated 1846. The tale has been adapted to various media including television drama and animated film.
What does Thumbelina do in the winter?
Thumbelina tries to protect herself from the elements . When winter comes, she is in desperate straits. She is finally given shelter by an old field mouse and tends her dwelling in gratitude. Thumbelina sees a swallow who is injured while visiting a mole, a neighbor of the field mouse.
How does Thumbelina escape the situation?
At the last minute, Thumbelina escapes the situation by fleeing to a far land with the swallow. In a sunny field of flowers, Thumbelina meets a tiny flower-fairy prince just her size and to her liking, and they wed.
Does Thumbelina marry the mole?
At the end of winter, the mouse suggests Thumbelina marry the mole, but Thumbelina finds the prospect of being married to such a creature repulsive because he spends all his days underground and never sees the sun or sky even though he is impressive with his knowledge of ancient history and lot of other topics.
When was the Princess Thumb made?
In 1983 , a Japanese version was released called Oyayubihime (Princess Thumb); 世界名作童話 おやゆび姫 (Sekai Meisaku Dōwa Oyayubi-hime; World Classic Fairytale Princess Thumb), a Toei Animation anime movie, with character designs by Tezuka Osamu from 1978. In 1992, Golden Films released Thumbelina (1992), and Tom Thumb Meets Thumbelina afterwards. A Japanese animated series adapted the plot and made it into a movie, Thumbelina: A Magical Story (1992), released in 1993.
What is Thumbelina's personality?
Personality and Appearance. Thumbelina is a sweet and very beautiful teenage girl with long, strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and glossy pink lipstick. Despite her small size, she has a big heart and is a romantic. She can easily be brought down by the world but is known for having good friends to keep her afloat.
What was the role of Thumbelina in the movie?
Role in Film. She was born in a barley corn plant. When her mother kissed the tulip, it opened and revealed a young girl, full grown, and no bigger than a thumb, and, in jest, she was named "Thumbelina". She had trouble with her size, and felt alone and was not sure of her place in such a "Big World".
What does Thumbelina do when she gives up hope?
He takes her to what looks like a frozen patch of weeds and tells her to sing, which she grudging does. As Thumbelina gives up hope, the ice thaws and Cornelius appears. The two marry, and at the wedding, Thumbelina is granted wings and became a fairy princess. Thumbelina and Cornelius live happily ever after.
What happens when Thumbelina refuses to marry?
As she's going up the aisle, Thumbelina realizes that she can't marry someone she doesn't love. As she refuses, Grundel and Beetle crash the wedding. A chase ensues, with Beetle, Grundel, and the wedding guests trying to stop Thumbelina from getting away.
Who brings Cornelius' body to Grundel?
Jacquimo soon awakens and leaves to find Cornelius, refusing to believe that he is dead. Meanwhile, Beetle brings Cornelius's frozen body to Grundel and informs him that Thumbelina is going to marry the Mole. After the two leave to stop the wedding, the jitterbugs thaw Cornelius's body out.
Who is the fairy prince that Grundel blackmails?
Grundel, hearing one the jitterbugs mention Beetle, tracks him down. Beetle suggests using Cornelius the fairy prince as bait. Grundel blackmails him (by stealing his wings) into helping him get Thumbelina back. Beetle and his men find Cornelius trapped in the ice and take him back to Grundel.
Who is the narrator of the Toad?
They leave her on a lily pad while going to fetch a priest, but a friendly swallow, Jacquimo (the narrator of the film), overhears Thumbelina's cries for help and frees her.
What is the story of Thumbelina?
“Thumbelina” is a beautiful fairy tale written by world’s most famous writer of children’s fairy tales Hans Christian Andersen. This story is a bit scary in some of its parts, but like any fairy tale brings us a happy ending and a good lesson. It talks about a little thumb-sized girl – Thumbelina. At the beginning of the life she is afflicted with a series of accidents, which she overcomes with her goodness and honesty, and eventually, is rewarded with true love and a happy life.
Who did Thumbelina meet?
However, Thumbelina is saved from both marriages and eventually met the Little Prince, who was its size and in which she immediately fell in love.
What did Thumbelina do when she met an evil frog?
Soon she met an evil frog she wanted to marry her for her son. Thumbelina did not want to spend her life next to that frog, so she ran away into the woods. She was kind, and it did not take long before the forest animals started to love her.
What was Hans's family?
He was born into a poor family . His father was a shoemaker, and his mother did not have a job. Even though they did not have much Hans was happy for growing up next to a father who recognized his love for adventures and stories. Since he was a boy, his father told him many stories and helped him build a puppet theater.
Did Thumbelina want to hurt anyone?
Thumbelina didn’t want to hurt anyone or anybody, not for a moment. She was fair and helped the needy. In the end, she got her prize and a happy ending. In its most challenging times, Thumbelina didn’t surrender, her kindness, honesty, and optimism prevailed.
Who are the characters in the book The King of the Flowers?
Characters: Thumbelina, butterfly, mouse, mole, swallow, the king of the flowers, frog and her son. Thumbelina – a little girl who came to his mother as a gift, as her mother could not have children. Soon, hardships in her life started happening. With everything she had to endure, Thumbelina has remained good and fair.
Is Thumbelina fair?
With everything she had to endure, Thumbelina has remained good and fair. Thumbe lina always thinks first of someone else’s happiness, and then on her own. All she wanted to do is to be fair and free everybody from suffering. Her goodness is rewarded in the end when she met the Little Prince, also the size of a thumb.
What is the story of Thumbelina?
Analysis. ''Thumbelina'' is a story of a girl who's really just a victim of her circumstances. Other people are taken by her beauty and she passes from one ugly situation to another. She almost resigns herself to her fate as the wife of a crotchety old mole, but is rescued and taken to people just like her.
Who is Thumbelina judged by?
Thumbelina is judged by the bugs, but she judges the toads, the bugs, and the mole. She finds the butterfly and the sparrow lovely, but the only potential husband she declares handsome is the fairy prince at the end, because he is miniature and formed just like she is.
How does Thumbelina show kindness?
Thumbelina shows kindness towards the sparrow in the mole's trail, who was actually just frozen and not dead, by taking care of it during the winter. The bird repays her kindness in the very end by taking her away from a lifetime of unhappiness with the mole, flying over dazzling landscapes and bringing Thumbelina to a meadow of flowers, each flower a home to a tiny fairy just like her. Thumbelina is ultimately rewarded for her kindness with a marriage with someone like her, a fairy prince just her size.
Why does Thumbelina cry on the lily pad?
She's soon freed from the toads by some fishes, who see her crying on the lily pad the toads have left her on. The toads are greedy because they give Thumbelina no choice in the matter; Mother Toad simply takes her because she wants a beautiful daughter in law.
How does the field mouse show Thumbelina?
The field mouse shows it by giving Thumbelina shelter from the winter. She does make her work for it, though, by making Thumbelina be her housekeeper and companion. Thumbelina repays her kindness by agreeing to stay with her and marry the mole. Thumbelina cares for the field mouse.
What does Thumbelina do when she kisses the petals?
She does so and immediately it grows into a flower. Upon kissing the petals, it blooms, revealing a tiny girl inside, scarcely the side of a thumb. The little Thumbelina happily sang and played in a dish of water with flowers and a leaf boat during the day and slept in a flower petal bed at night.
What is the next greedy character?
The next greedy character is the cockroach. Other translations call it a may-bug, cockchafer, or stag beetle. Thumbelina is snatched by the bug as she's floating down the brook away from the toads. He tells her she's pretty even though she looks nothing like him. Later he changes his mind based on the other cockroaches' opinions and abandons her.
What did the little prince think of Thumbelina?
The little prince was at first quite frightened at the bird, who was like a giant compared to such a delicate little creature as himself; but when he saw Thumbelina he was delighted and thought her the prettiest little maiden he had ever seen . He took the gold crown from his head and placed it on hers, and asked her name and if she would be his wife and queen over all the flowers.
Why did Thumbelina hung herself up under a broad leaf?
She wove herself a bed with blades of grass and hung it up under a broad leaf, to protect herself from the rain. She sucked the honey from the flowers for food and drank the dew from their leaves every morning.
What did the little maiden do to the toad?
The little maiden pleased him, and she was glad of it, for now the toad could not possibly reach her, and the country through which she sailed was beautiful, and the sun shone upon the water till it glittered like liquid gold. She took off her girdle and tied one end of it round the butterfly, fastening the other end of the ribbon to the leaf, which now glided on much faster than before, taking Thumbelina with it as she stood.
Why did the cockroaches think Thumbelina was ugly?
1. The cockroaches thought that Thumbelina was ugly because she had no feelers and only two legs. But Thumbelina’s mother and the sparrow thought she was beautiful. What does this say about the things that people (and animals!) find ugly and beautiful?
What did the cockroaches say to Thumbelina?
They stared at her, and then the young lady cockroaches turned up their feelers and said, “She has only two legs! how ugly that looks.” “She has no feelers,” said another. “Her waist is quite slim. Pooh! she is like a human being.”
Why did the mouse think the mole would make a good husband for Thumbelina?
2. The mouse thought the mole would make a good husband for Thumbelina because he had lots of food in his kitchen and wore velvets and furs. But Thumbelina, who loved to look at the sky, knew the mole didn’t like the sun, and she would never see the sun again if she married him. Was it right for Thumbelina to say no to marrying the mole?
What did Thumbelina say to the field mouse?
She was pleased with Thumbelina, so she said, “You are quite welcome to stay with me all the winter, if you like; but you must keep my rooms clean and neat, and tell me stories, for I shall like to hear them very much.” And Thumbelina did all that the field mouse asked her, and found herself very comfortable.
When was Thumbelina published?
"Thumbelina" was first published in the December installment by C. A. Reitzel on 16 December 1835 in Copenhagen. "Thumbelina" was the first tale in the booklet which included two other tales: "The Naughty Boy" and "The Traveling Companion". The story was republished in collected editions of Andersen's works in 1850 and 1862.
Is Thumbelina a male or female character?
They point out that Thumbelina is a passive character, the victim of circumstances whereas her male counterpart Tom Thumb (one of the tale’s inspirations) is an active character, makes himself felt, and exerts himself.
Analysis
Thumbelina is one of the most famous works of the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen, who is known around the world for his fairy tales, is still considered one of the most beloved and most-read writers of this genre.
Symbols and Metaphors
A toad - In fairy tales, the toad is usually a malevolent creature or a symbol of another character’s evil. These ideas exist outside the fairy tale genre as well.
Characters
Characters: Thumbelina, Thumbelina’s mother, a fairy, the old toad, toad’s son, the field mouse, a cockchafer, a mole, the swallow, the king of flowers
Overview
Adaptations
The earliest animated version of the tale is a silent black-and-white release by director Herbert M. Dawley in 1924. Lotte Reiniger released a 10-minute cinematic adaptation in 1954 featuring her "silhouette" puppets.
In 1961 Jim Copp and Ed Brown produced a children's story album titled "East of Flumdiddle" which references the character "TeenyTiny", who lives in a walnut shell, is kidnapped by frogs for marri…
Plot
A woman yearning for a child asks a witch for advice, and is presented with a barley which she is told to go home and plant (in the first English translation of 1847 by Mary Howitt, the tale opens with a beggar woman giving a peasant's wife a barleycorn in exchange for food). After the barleycorn is planted and sprouts, a tiny girl named Thumbelina (Tommelise) emerges from its flower.
Background
Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark on 2 April 1805 to Hans Andersen, a shoemaker, and Anne Marie Andersdatter. An only child, Andersen shared a love of literature with his father, who read him The Arabian Nights and the fables of Jean de la Fontaine. Together, they constructed panoramas, pop-up pictures and toy theatres, and took long jaunts into the countryside.
Sources and inspiration
"Thumbelina" is essentially Andersen's invention but takes inspiration from the traditional tale of "Tom Thumb" (both tales begin with a childless woman consulting a supernatural being about acquiring a child). Other inspirations were the six-inch Lilliputians in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, Voltaire's short story "Micromégas" with its cast of huge and miniature peoples, and E. T. A. Hoffmann's hallucinatory, erotic tale "Meister Floh", in which a tiny lady a span in height torme…
Publication and critical reception
Andersen published two installments of his first collection of Fairy Tales Told for Children in 1835, the first in May and the second in December. "Thumbelina" was first published in the December installment by C. A. Reitzel on 16 December 1835 in Copenhagen. "Thumbelina" was the first tale in the booklet which included two other tales: "The Naughty Boy" and "The Traveling Companion". The story was republished in collected editions of Andersen's works in 1850 and 1862.
English translations
In 1861, Alfred Wehnert translated the tale into English in Andersen's Tales for Children under the title Little Thumb. Mary Howitt published the story as "Tommelise" in Wonderful Stories for Children in 1846. However, she did not approve of the opening scene with the witch, and, instead, had the childless woman provide bread and milk to a hungry beggar woman who then rewarded her hostess with a barleycorn. Charles Boner also translated the tale in 1846 as "Little Ellie" while Ma…
Commentaries
For fairy tale researchers and folklorists Iona and Peter Opie, "Thumbelina" is an adventure story from the feminine point of view with its moral being people are happiest with their own kind. They point out that Thumbelina is a passive character, the victim of circumstances; whereas her male counterpart Tom Thumb (one of the tale's inspirations) is an active character, makes himself felt, and exerts himself.