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Our Aunt

From Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen, best known for fairy tales like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'The Ugly Duckling,' also wrote satirical character sketches of which this is one. First published in the mid-nineteenth century, 'Our Aunt' gently mocks and celebrates a woman whose entire life revolves around the theatre—her education, her calendar, her lodging, her legacy. The piece offers a window into urban theatre culture of the era, when a single playhouse could anchor a community and a subscription box could define a life. Andersen writes with affection for his subject even as he exposes her absurdities, and the story raises an enduring question: when does devotion to an art or institution become obsession, and does that matter if it gives life meaning? This text reflects its era.

Band

Silver · First-year university levelTypical starting range: adult

Length

long · about 1548 words in 5 sections · 1 picture

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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