THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

11]WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SHE STRIKES THE FIRST MATCH?

* imagined she was sitting in front of a great iron stove with polished brass
knobs and brass ornaments
• The fire gave lovely warmth
• She stretched her feet to warm- out went the flame
• The stove vanished
• Sat with a burnt match in her hand
12] What happened when she struck the second match?
• The bricks became transparent like GAUZE
• She could see right into the room
• Saw a shining white cloth spread on the table
• Covered with beautiful china
• In the centre stood a roast goose stuffed with prunes & apples 
Illusion that the goose hopped down from the dish ,waddled
Across the floor with carving knife & fork on its back
right Upto the girl- inviting her as if to eat
• Out went the match and she saw the thick cold wall
• Symbolism- a thick cold wall separates the rich & poor – they are
Unable to see the pain of the poor
13] WHAT HAPPENED WHEN SHE STRUCK THE THIRD MATCH?
• Imagined she was sitting under the most beautiful Christmas tree
• Much lovelier than the tree she had seen last year through the
Glass door of the rich merchant’s house
• a thousand candles lit up the green branches
• it was decorated with gaily coloured balls like those in the shop
windows
• she reached for the tree with both hands – it vanished  the
many candles of the tree rose higher and turned into bright stars
• one of the stars fell streaking the sky with light- shooting star
• she realised someone was dying; the only person who ever loved
her – her Grandmother had told her; “Whenever a star falls,a
soul goes up to God”
•
14] WHAT HAPPENED WHEN SHE STRUCK THE FOURTH MATCH?

1
 • There was light and in the glow she saw her old grandmother
• Bright & shining- gentle ,kind & loving
• Begged her grandmother to take her with her
• The child is traumatized at the thought that when the match is
burnt out she will vanish like the stove, the lovely roast goose &
the Great glorious Christmas tree
• In desperation she struck all the matches- so that her
grandmother does not go
• The matches flared up with a blaze brighter than broad daylight
• Grandmother looked beautiful & stately when she burnt all the
Matches
• She took the little girl in her arms and flew high up towards glory
and joy
• They were with God – where they will not know cold,hunger or
fear 15] WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING?
• At dawn she was found dead- rosy cheeked with smiling lips-
happily she died
• Frozen to death
• Last evening of the old year
• Huddled figure of the girl withholding half a packet of matches
16] OBSERVATIONS OF THE PEOPLE
• She was trying to warm herself
• No word of sympathy- she was just a case study
17] HOW DID SHE DIE?
• A beautiful death with beautiful visions-
• Died in a blaze of glory
• Entered heaven with her grandmother into heavenly joy and
gladness
• Lived miserably – died happily
18] TYPE OF STORY
 Rich in irony, imagery and symbols emphasizing compassion and
sensitivity