"The Red Shoes" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Answer Key

For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. "The Red Shoes" by Hans Christian Andersen is about a peasant girl whose obsession with her footwear leads to supernatural events, seemingly divine punishment, and eventual redemption. With this editable quiz on "The Red Shoes," English teachers will promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a self-grading Google Drive option is available.)

By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• How the protagonist demonstrates his obsession with clothes

• The motivations of the visitors

• The visitors' outlandish claims

• The protagonist's motivations

• The protagonist's internal conflict

• Means by which the visitors deceive the community

• The emperor's participation in the procession

• The resolution

A variety of resources for teaching fairy tales, tall tales, and fantasy are available:

• "The Call of Cthulhu" by H.P. Lovecraft - Google and printable

• "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" by Mark Twain - Google and printable

• "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet - Google and printable

• The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - Google and printable

• "The Juniper Tree" by the Brothers Grimm - Google and printable

• "The Wife’s Story" by Ursula K. Le Guin - Google and printable