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Comment by danneezhao

3 days ago

When I grow up, I realize that fairy tales are almost lies.It is difficult for princes and princesses to live happily ever after~

Does Andersen ever use the “happily ever after” ending?

  • Literally, I can't think of a single happy ending in even one of his stories.

    It always ends with death, disappointment, or apathy.

    • Andsersen has some happy endings, eg the Snow Queen or the Ugly Duckling. I guess the Matchstick Girl has the closest to a “happily ever after” ending, since she dies and goes to heaven.

    • Death usually is a happy ending in his stories. It's ascension to paradise and being freed from mortal suffering. It makes more sense if you're a deeply religious man from the 19th century than it does today, admittedly.

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Tell me you've never read the original fairy tales without telling me that you've never read the original fairy tales.