The Prince and the Pea

"The Prince and the Pea" is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that illustrates themes of sensitivity and authenticity. It tells of a princess who claims to be genuine, but to test her, a prince's mother places a tiny pea under many mattresses. Despite the thick bedding, the princess feels the pea and reacts with discomfort, proving her true royal sensitivity. The story highlights that true nobility and refinement are innate and perceptible through subtle tests, emphasizing authenticity in character beyond superficial appearances.