Oscar Wilde biography:

Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. Recognized as a brilliant playwright, poet, and novelist, he was celebrated for his sharp wit and flamboyant style. Wilde pursued his studies at Trinity College in Dublin and later at Magdalen College, Oxford. He rose to fame in the 1880s with notable works like "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1890) and the comedic play "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895).

His life was fraught with controversy, particularly regarding his sexuality. In 1895, he was convicted of "gross indecency" because of his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, leading to his imprisonment. After serving two years, Wilde went into exile in France, where he penned "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" (1898). He passed away on November 30, 1900, in Paris, and is remembered as one of the most significant writers of the Victorian era.

The plot:

The story is set in a city where a golden statue known as the Happy Prince gazes down from above. Despite his outwardly joyful appearance, the statue is deeply saddened by the suffering of the people below. One day, a swallow resting at his feet hears the Prince's desperate plea to help alleviate the pain of the less fortunate. The Prince requests that the swallow deliver his treasures—rubies, gold leaf, and sapphires—to those in need. Although initially hesitant, the swallow agrees and begins to distribute the Prince's riches. As they collaborate in their acts of charity, the swallow develops a deep affection for the Prince, who grows increasingly weak as he sacrifices his own beauty for the welfare of others. Ultimately, the swallow chooses to remain with the Prince throughout the harsh winter. In the end, the Prince is left completely depleted, and the swallow dies at his feet. Their souls ascend to heaven, where they find eternal peace, while the city remembers their profound love and selfless acts. The narrative conveys themes of compassion, selflessness, and the significance of inner beauty over external appearances.

The main characters:

The Happy Prince: A golden statue who observes the suffering of the people in his city and wishes to help them.

The Swallow: A migratory bird who helps the Happy Prince by delivering his treasures to those in need.

Time, place & setting:

The story The Happy Prince is set in an unnamed European city, likely resembling Victorian England. The events take place primarily during the autumn and early winter, as indicated by the arrival of cold weather and snow. The time period appears to be the late 19th century, aligning with the era in which Oscar Wilde wrote the story.

The setting is divided into two contrasting perspectives: the elevated view of the city from the statue of the Happy Prince and the grim reality of the streets below. The Happy Prince, once a living royal, is now a golden statue standing high above the city, overlooking its people. From this vantage point, he witnesses the suffering and poverty that he never knew during his lifetime.

Below, the city is depicted as a place of hardship and inequality. The wealthy enjoy luxurious lives in grand houses, while the poor struggle to survive. The streets are filled with hungry children, struggling workers, and suffering individuals. The swallow, a migratory bird on its way to Egypt, becomes the prince's messenger, delivering his gold and jewels to those in need.