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But They Did Not Live Happily Ever After

 

 

Introduction

The texts in this lesson are not Magic Tales with their just, good versus evil outlook. The world of the fabliau can be a topsy turvy world. It is reminiscent of the carnevalesque. Carnival (coming from Latin meaning farewell to meat) came before the fast of Lent in medieval Christian Europe. At that time, the world was placed on its head. The king of the carnival was a poor person from the town, and people put masks on and acted as they were not allowed throughout the regular year. Today, we still have this festival in New Orleans under the name Mardi Gras.  Andersen went to Slagelse to get an education. When he left he was very happy, for now he would not have to worry about money for a few years. However, he had repeated problems with the head master Simon Meisling. Meisling would plague Andersen's thoughts for the rest of his life.

Lecture

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Readings

1. "Clod Hans"
2. "What Father Does is Always Right"
3. "Little Claus and Big Claus"
4. "The Dying Child"

Quiz

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Bulletin Board

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