Andersen's use of fairy - tale elements in a creative way has influenced the structure of modern fantasy literature. His stories usually start with a simple situation, then introduce conflict and finally lead to a resolution, which is a common pattern in modern literature as well. His works have also been adapted and reimagined countless times, which shows their lasting impact on the literary world.
They have provided rich themes. For example, the idea of transformation as in The Ugly Duckling has been reused in many modern coming - of - age stories where characters change and find their true selves.
The complex characters in Andersen's stories, like the Little Mermaid with her deep emotions and desires, have inspired modern writers to create more nuanced characters. His stories often deal with universal human emotions such as love, envy, and pride, which are still relevant in modern literature.