这篇童话中，丑小鸭最突出的特点是对美的向往和不懈的追求。如果说一开始它还是被迫离家流浪，还是不得不逃离野鸭和追逐的猎人，那么当它已经在农家安定下来而仍然不满足，仍然要"走到广大的世界里去"，那完全是出于对美好大自然、美好生活的努力追求。（In this fairy tale, the highlight is the ugly duckling's yearning for and unremitting pursuit of beauty. If at first he is forced to leave home and wander in order to get away from the wild ducks and the hunter, when he is able to live comfortably at a farmer's home, he still craves to "go out into the world". He is driven by nothing but the yearning for the beautiful nature and life.）