Das kleine Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern

The story’s mix of innocence and tragedy feels so powerful—I'm curious about what motivated Andersen to explore these themes in a fairy tale.

The story’s conclusion is both tragic and beautiful, but I wonder if others felt it was too heavy for a children's tale or perfectly fitting.

Considering Andersen’s life experiences, I wonder what personal elements might have shaped this story’s focus on poverty and compassion.