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The Little Match Girl Short Story Analysis

Description

This resource for “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen includes reading comprehension questions as well as an anticipation guide, vocabulary, and an after reading activity!

This is a poignant tale about a poor, neglected girl who escapes her harsh reality through visions of warmth and happiness as she lights her matches on a cold New Year’s Eve, ultimately finding solace in death. It’s worth reading for its powerful commentary on poverty, compassion, and hope, serving as both a heart-wrenching story and a reminder of societal responsibilities toward the vulnerable.

This is a great story for teaching THEME, and works perfectly for December or January.


This resource includes:

  • teacher guide
  • anticipation guide
  • before reading lesson (vocabulary, fairy tale genre, historical context of 19th century Denmark, & author background)
  • reading questions
  • after reading activity (which requires personal connection and creativity)
  • editable documents
  • answer keys
  • full text of the story