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The Shadow

From Andersen's Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen wrote 'The Shadow' as part of his literary fairy tales—stories aimed at adults as much as children. First published in the mid-nineteenth century, it reflects its era in references to social rank, servants, and rigid class structures; a few period terms have been modernised. The tale is worth a reader's time because it asks disturbing questions about identity, power, and the value society places on appearance versus substance. Andersen's story functions both as a Gothic psychological fable and as a critique of a world that rewards confident deception over earnest truth. It remains one of his darkest and most unsettling works.

Band

Red · Complex language and analysisTypical starting range: ages 15–17

Length

long · about 1362 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Andersen's Fairy Tales, H. C. Andersen

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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