Challenge high school students to explore the symbolism, characterization, and thematic depth of Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Fir Tree” with this rigorous, text-dependent literary analysis worksheet. Ideal for folklore, fairy tale, or world literature units (especially during the Christmas/winter holiday seasons), this ready-to-print activity guides learners through close reading questions that strengthen analytical thinking while encouraging thoughtful reflection on innocence, ambition, and the passage of time.
Students will practice and demonstrate the following essential ELA skills:
- Analyzing paradox and irony to interpret the protagonist’s misguided perceptions.
- Evaluating symbolism through characters such as the sunbeam and the sparrows.
- Identifying literary devices (e.g., personification, onomatopoeia, situational irony).
- Interpreting tone and mood, particularly the story’s melancholy atmosphere.
- Reflecting on theme, including the dangers of chasing glory at the expense of simple joys.
- Analyzing narrative purpose, such as why the story of Humpty Dumpty appears and what it reveals about innocence and expectations.
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