In 'O. T., A Danish Romance', Hans Christian Andersen gives readers a glimpse into the moral attitudes of the romantic era in Denmark through the story of Otto Thostrup, a young man with a troubled past. Andersen's use of classic literary tropes, such as the struggle to overcome social class and the impact of one's upbringing, adds depth to the story. While the novel may be dark at times, it ultimately shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.