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She Was Good for Nothing

From Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

This story was written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in the nineteenth century. It is one of his lesser-known tales, but it carries the moral complexity and social realism that mark his mature work. The text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. Andersen often wrote about the cruelty of class prejudice and the gap between appearance and worth. This story is worth a senior reader's time because it asks a question still alive today: by what standard do we measure a person's value, and who has the authority to make that judgement? The washer-woman's dignity, her sacrifice, and the mayor's casual cruelty form a study in moral authority that rewards close reading.

Band

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

Length

long · about 1366 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, 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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