The Little Match Girl
A Winter's Tale
On a bitterly cold New Year's Eve, a poor young girl walks barefoot through the streets, trying to sell matches. Having sold nothing all day, she's afraid to return home empty-handed.
Visions of Warmth
Seeking shelter from the cold, she huddles in a corner between two houses. To warm herself, she strikes one of her matches, and in its flame she sees wonderful visions: a warm iron stove, a beautiful Christmas feast, and a magnificent Christmas tree.
"She struck another match, and this time she saw her beloved grandmother, the only person who had ever truly loved her."
With each match she strikes, more beautiful visions appear, bringing comfort and joy to her final moments on that cold winter night.
Themes
- Hope in the darkest times
- The power of imagination
- Love and compassion
- Social inequality