The Happy Prince

By Oscar Wild

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and author, known for his wit, satirical works, and sharp social commentary. A leading figure in Victorian literature, Wilde’s works often explore themes of beauty, morality, and the human condition. His famous works include “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.” “The Happy Prince” is his poignant short story about a gilded statue of a prince who, along with a swallow, helps the poor and suffering people of his city by sacrificing his riches. The story touches on themes of selflessness, compassion, and social inequality, highlighting the beauty of kindness and sacrifice even in the face of hardship.

Q: Why do the courtiers call the prince “The Happy Prince”? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?

Ans. The courtiers call the prince “The Happy Prince” because when he was alive, he lived a life of luxury and joy in a palace where sorrow was not allowed to enter. He was always happy and thus earned the title. However, after his death, his statue is placed high above the city, and he sees all the misery and suffering around him. So, in reality, he is not happy because he is deeply affected by the poverty and the sufferings he witnesses.

Q: Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?

Ans. The Happy Prince sends a ruby to the seamstress because she is very poor and unable to take care of her sick son. The ruby can help her buy food and medicine. The swallow takes the ruby from the statue and flies to the seamstress’ house, placing the ruby on the table beside her. In the seamstress’ house, the swallow fans the boy with its wings to cool him down and then returns to the Happy Prince.

Q: For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?

Ans. The prince sends the sapphires for two people. The happy prince sends one ruby to a young playwright who is trying to finish a play but is too cold and hungry to work. The prince sends him one sapphire to help him buy firewood and food. He sends the other ruby to a poor match-girl whose matches have fallen into the gutter, and she is afraid to go home without any money. The prince sends the second sapphire to help her and prevent her from being beaten by her father.

Q: What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?

Ans. When the swallow flies over the city, it sees a stark contrast between wealth and poverty. He sees rich people living in luxury, while the poor suffer in dire conditions. The swallow witnesses scenes of misery, such as beggars, starving children, and oppressed workers.

Q: Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?

Ans. The swallow initially intended to leave for Egypt to join his friends, but he stayed behind out of compassion for the prince. The Happy Prince’s kindness and the requests to help the poor moved the swallow deeply. As he carried out the prince’s wishes, he developed a strong bond with the statue and decided to stay with him until the end.

Q: What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?

Ans. The precious things mentioned in the story include the ruby from the prince’s sword hilt, the sapphires from his eyes, and the gold leaf covering his body. They are precious not just because of their material value but also because of the selfless acts they enable. The prince and the swallow use these treasures to help those in need, transforming the material wealth into acts of compassion and kindness.