Gerda and Kai return home as adults who have experienced many trials. Nevertheless, Andersen says that they remain innocent like children. What does it mean to be innocent in the story? Does innocence necessarily entail ignorance or naivety?

Explore the asides of the many flowers in Chapter 3. What do these tales add to the overall story? Why do you think Andersen chose to include them, and how do they influence Gerda’s journey?

Choose three characters Gerda meets on her quest to rescue Kai. What does each of these characters represent? Why is each important to Gerda’s quest and character growth? Support your answer with evidence from the text.