Summary of “The Happy Prince”

About the Author

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish writer, poet and playwright. The Importance of Being Earnest is one of his most popular plays. He also wrote many short stories like The Selfish Giant, The Happy Prince, The Model Millionaire and so on. The present text has been dramatized from his famous story The Happy Prince.

(60 words)

Introduction to the Story

The story “The Happy Prince” is a touching and poignant tale that revolves around a golden statue of a once-happy prince and a kind-hearted swallow. Through their encounters with the suffering people of their town, they learn about compassion, selflessness, and the true meaning of happiness. This classic story is a timeless exploration of themes like generosity and empathy.

(60 words)

Summary of the Story

“The Happy Prince” is a heartwarming tale by Oscar Wilde that unfolds in a quaint town. The story revolves around a majestic golden statue of a once-happy prince and a compassionate swallow. While the Happy Prince stands on a pedestal, studded with jewels, the swallow seeks shelter beneath it. The swallow is initially puzzled by water droplets falling from a clear sky, only to discover that the tears are the result of the Happy Prince’s profound empathy for the suffering people in the town.

Inspired by the Happy Prince’s generosity, the swallow undertakes a series of selfless acts, giving away the prince’s precious jewels to help the less fortunate. The climax of the story culminates with the Happy Prince’s sacrifice, as the last of his precious sapphires is given to a struggling playwright. Ultimately, the Happy Prince’s heart, made of lead, is broken in his act of benevolence, and both the swallow and the Happy Prince cease to exist. The story emphasizes themes of compassion, selflessness, and the enduring value of good deeds, leaving readers with a profound moral lesson.

(180 words)

The character of the Story

The Happy Prince: The Happy Prince is a golden statue adorned with jewels. His kindness is revealed through self-sacrifice as he helps the poor. Despite being a lifeless statue, his compassion and empathy for the town’s suffering people are remarkable, setting the story’s moral tone of selflessness.

Swallow: Swallow is a small bird travelling to Egypt. Seeking shelter, it rests on the Happy Prince, but the encounter changes its destiny. Through its interaction with the statue, Swallow learns the significance of compassion, friendship, and helping others in their times of need.

The Woman Dressmaker: A struggling dressmaker who represents the town’s impoverished working class. Her dedication to her work, despite hardships, reflects the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. The Happy Prince’s assistance highlights the need to support those less fortunate.

Her Son: A sick child suffering from a fever. His ailment exemplifies the town’s hardships and the urgency of providing aid to those in need. The Swallow’s mission to help him showcases the importance of taking action to alleviate suffering.

The Poor Young Playwright: An impoverished, despondent writer working on a play. He symbolizes struggling artists seeking recognition and support. The Happy Prince’s gift of a sapphire eye sparks hope and emphasizes how kindness can inspire and enable creativity.

The Poor Little Girl: A barefooted girl who lacks shoes. Her destitution highlights the town’s poverty. The Swallow’s act of giving her a sapphire from the Happy Prince’s eye demonstrates the power of generosity, even when it involves personal sacrifice.

The Mayor: The town’s leader who appears indifferent to the struggles of the townspeople. His lack of empathy exposes the disconnect between those in power and those they govern. The story highlights the need for compassionate leadership and social responsibility.

Town Councillors: Assist the Mayor in governing but share his apathy. They represent bureaucratic indifference and conformity to unjust norms, revealing how institutions can perpetuate suffering when lacking empathy and compassion.

Beggars: A group of impoverished citizens living in hardship. Their presence illustrates the town’s dire circumstances and the urgency of addressing its poverty. The Happy Prince’s and Swallow’s efforts emphasize the significance of helping the less fortunate.

Sundry People: The general townsfolk who live amidst suffering. They represent the broader community affected by poverty and inequality. The story underscores the importance of collective empathy and mutual support among all members of society.

Angel: The story concludes with an angel who takes the Happy Prince and the Swallow to a better place, symbolizing the rewards of selfless acts. The angel represents the idea of a higher power acknowledging and honoring compassion and kindness in the afterlife.

Theme of the Story

“The Happy Prince” teaches us to be kind and help those in need. It shows that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The story highlights the value of compassion and selflessness. It’s a story about sharing and caring for others, even if it means making sacrifices.

(50 words)