A Picture from the Ramparts - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 4 min

It is autumn. We stand on the ramparts, and look out over the sea. We look at the numerous ships, and at the Swedish coast on the opposite side of the sound, rising far above the surface of the waters which mirror the glow of the evening sky. Behind us the wood is sharply defined; mighty trees surround us, and the yellow leaves flutter down from the branches.

Below, at the foot of the wall, stands a gloomy looking building enclosed in palisades. The space between is dark and narrow, but still more dismal must it be behind the iron gratings in the wall which cover the narrow loopholes or windows, for in these dungeons the most depraved of the criminals are confined.

A ray of the setting sun shoots into the bare cells of one of the captives, for God’s sun shines upon the evil and the good. The hardened criminal casts an impatient look at the bright ray. Then a little bird flies towards the grating, for birds twitter to the just as well as to the unjust. He only cries, „Tweet, tweet,“ and then perches himself near the grating, flutters his wings, pecks a feather from one of them, puffs himself out, and sets his feathers on end round his breast and throat.

The bad, chained man looks at him, and a more gentle expression comes into his hard face. In his breast there rises a thought which he himself cannot rightly analyze, but the thought has some connection with the sunbeam, with the bird, and with the scent of violets, which grow luxuriantly in spring at the foot of the wall.

Then there comes the sound of the hunter’s horn, merry and full. The little bird starts, and flies away, the sunbeam gradually vanishes, and again there is darkness in the room and in the heart of that bad man. Still the sun has shone into that heart, and the twittering of the bird has touched it.

Sound on, ye glorious strains of the hunter’s horn; continue your stirring tones, for the evening is mild, and the surface of the sea, heaving slowly and calmly, is smooth as a mirror.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „A Picture from the Ramparts“

„A Picture from the Ramparts“ is a fairy tale written by the renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who is best known for his timeless and iconic stories such as „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ and „The Emperor’s New Clothes.“ Born in 1805 in Odense, Denmark, Andersen was a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, but it was his fairy tales that gained him international recognition and solidified his place as one of the most influential authors in world literature.

Andersen’s fairy tales are known for their unique blend of fantasy, morality, and vivid descriptions of the natural world. Drawing inspiration from Danish folklore and his own life experiences, Andersen crafted stories that explored complex themes and emotions, often featuring anthropomorphic characters and allegorical elements. His works frequently touched upon themes such as transformation, redemption, love, and loss, and they continue to resonate with readers today.

„A Picture from the Ramparts“ is one of Andersen’s lesser-known fairy tales, but it retains his characteristic style and thematic depth. The story reflects Andersen’s keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and the natural world. As with many of his other tales, „A Picture from the Ramparts“ invites readers to explore moral and philosophical questions, while showcasing the transformative power of art and storytelling.

Interpretations to fairy tale „A Picture from the Ramparts“

„A Picture from the Ramparts“ by Hans Christian Andersen can be interpreted in various ways, with its themes and imagery offering insights into human nature, redemption, and the healing power of nature.

Human nature and redemption: The hardened criminal protagonist serves as a reminder that even the most depraved individuals can still experience moments of vulnerability and grace. The fleeting connection with the sunbeam and the bird evoke feelings of gentleness and compassion within the prisoner. This suggests that people may not be entirely lost to darkness and that there is still hope for redemption.

The power of nature: The story emphasizes the beauty and healing power of nature. The sunbeam, the bird, and the scent of violets all serve as symbols of hope and purity, contrasting with the prisoner’s grim surroundings. These natural elements manage to touch the prisoner’s heart, demonstrating that nature has the potential to evoke positive change even in the darkest of circumstances.

Light and darkness: The contrasting imagery of light and darkness in the story can be seen as a representation of the eternal struggle between good and evil, both in the world and within individuals. The sunbeam signifies hope, warmth, and God’s love, while the darkness of the cell and the prisoner’s heart symbolize despair and malevolence. The momentary touch of light in the prisoner’s heart shows the possibility of goodness within even the darkest of souls.

Transience and impermanence: The brief encounter with the sunbeam and the bird emphasizes the fleeting nature of life’s moments of beauty and grace. Although these moments may be transient, their impact can be profound, as seen in the gentle expression that momentarily transforms the prisoner’s face. The story reminds us to appreciate the ephemeral moments of joy and beauty in our own lives.

The role of art and storytelling: Finally, the story itself, as a work of art, serves to explore complex themes and emotions in a concise, vivid form. Through evocative imagery and symbolism, Andersen invites readers to reflect on human nature, redemption, and the power of nature, fostering empathy and understanding for individuals who may be viewed as beyond hope or redemption.

Summary of the plot

„A Picture from the Ramparts“ by Hans Christian Andersen is a poignant fairy tale set during autumn on the ramparts overlooking the sea. The story vividly describes the natural beauty of the surroundings, with the sea mirroring the evening sky’s glow, the Swedish coast on the horizon, and a forest filled with majestic trees and fluttering yellow leaves.

However, the scene is juxtaposed against a gloomy building with iron-grated windows, where the most depraved criminals are imprisoned. The protagonist of the story is a hardened, chained prisoner, who finds himself momentarily touched by a ray of the setting sun. This sunbeam is a reminder that God’s light shines on both the good and the evil.

As the prisoner observes the sunbeam, a small bird appears at the grating, tweeting and flitting its wings. The presence of the bird and the sunbeam stir a mysterious, tender feeling within the prisoner, bringing about a more gentle expression on his face. This fleeting moment is linked to the sunbeam, the bird, and the scent of violets blooming at the foot of the wall in spring.

Suddenly, the sound of a hunter’s horn breaks the stillness, scaring the bird away and causing the sunbeam to vanish. With their departure, darkness returns to the prisoner’s cell and his heart. Despite the transient nature of this moment, the sun’s warmth and the bird’s song have managed to touch the hardened man’s soul.

The story concludes by urging the continuation of the hunter’s horn’s stirring tones, highlighting the beauty and tranquility of the evening, with the sea’s surface as smooth as a mirror.

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