“I never liked Hans Christian Andersen because I knew he was always getting at me.”
- January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973
- Born in the Orange Free State (British)
- Author, linguist
- Wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and built the foundations of modern fantasy literature
Quote
“I never liked Hans Christian Andersen because I knew he was always getting at me.”
Explanation
This quote expresses a feeling of personal discomfort or resistance to the works of Hans Christian Andersen, possibly due to his directness or the way his stories might have felt too personal or revealing. The phrase “always getting at me” suggests that the speaker perceives Andersen’s works as not merely stories, but as moral lessons or critiques aimed at the reader’s behavior or society. Andersen’s fairy tales often carry deep moral undertones and critiques of human nature, which might have felt uncomfortable for someone who recognized themselves in these portrayals.
Tolkien’s background as a scholar of mythology and literature made him acutely aware of how stories could influence the reader, especially those that seemed to confront or challenge one’s values or assumptions. Andersen’s tales, like “The Ugly Duckling” or “The Little Mermaid,” frequently delve into themes of transformation, self-worth, and sacrifice, which can be emotionally intense or uncomfortable for certain audiences. Tolkien, known for his complex, layered narratives, may have preferred works that offered escapism or the exploration of a more heroic ideal, rather than stories that confronted uncomfortable truths about human nature.
In the modern context, this quote can reflect the way certain works of art or literature might resonate differently with individual readers based on their personal experiences, values, and emotional states. For some, Andersen’s fairy tales may offer wisdom and insight, while for others, they may feel too didactic or critical. This is a reminder that the impact of a story is deeply subjective, and not all works are meant to be universally appreciated. For example, a reader who prefers more adventure-driven narratives might not find comfort in the moralistic tone of Andersen’s tales, much as Tolkien himself seemed to resist them.
