The Toad

Discussion and Analyses

"The Toad" takes the idea of nefariousness as a disability to another level. Vileness, though touched upon briefly in "Thumbelina," is more central in this tale that has tremendous universal appeal because of the societal obsession with appearance. The title creature is acted upon throughout by his family, other barnyard animate beings and humans because they consider him despicable. The egg out of which he hatches is mistaken; when it hatches, the frog is amazed at the toad's size and hopes "his looks will improve" or "maybe in time he'll expand a little". His ungodly body, just like in "Thumbelina," makes him stand out, and causes anxiety to the animals and humans. But, unlike Thumbelina, who finds instant acceptance among the flower people, Ugly toad must metamorphose into a beautiful frog before he gains recognition from the toads. In this new bodily form he does not mind the stares. Tatar posits that too many the tale "is the most deeply personal of Andersen's stories, a narrative that traces his trajectory from humble origins to a literary aristocracy with a deeply servile attitude in relation to the real aristocracy". In relaying this story, Andersen insinuates that attention directed toward the beautiful toad is better appreciated than attention aimed at The Toad. But I would argue that in both situations the "toad" is objectified, for, as Garland-Thomson contends, staring is a way to dominate another.

The Predominated Category

Typically, "main characters almost never have physical disabilities," as Garland- Thomson observes, but it is clear that in children's literature there are a few exceptions to the rule. In these tales, the characters may be non-humans, but Andersen infuses them with human emotions. Moreover, Tatar reveals that critics "have seen mirrored in the tales the maker of the tales". Perhaps these autobiographical aspects ...