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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate8 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'The Happy Prince' narrates the story of a beautiful statue adorned with gold and jewels known as the Happy Prince. The statue, overlooking a city, is touched by the misery and suffering of the people he sees daily. A little swallow helps the Prince bring happiness to the poor by distributing his jewels and gold. In the end, both the swallow and the statue sacrifice themselves for the greater good, demonstrating themes of compassion and altruism.
Key Topics
- •Compassion and Sacrifice
- •Altruism
- •Social Inequality
- •Transformation
- •Symbolism
- •Empathy
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand themes of sacrifice and compassion.
- ✓Analyze symbolism used by Oscar Wilde.
- ✓Interpret character transformations in the narrative.
- ✓Discuss social commentary in the story.
- ✓Identify and reflect on moral lessons.
- ✓Develop empathy through literary analysis.
Questions in Chapter
Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
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Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?
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For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?
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What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?
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Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
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What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?
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Additional Practice Questions
How is the theme of sacrifice portrayed in 'The Happy Prince'?
mediumAnswer: The theme of sacrifice is portrayed through the selfless acts of the statue and the little swallow. The Happy Prince gives away all his gold and jewels to help the needy, and the little swallow stays with the Prince, despite the cold, helping him distribute his riches. Both ultimately sacrifice their lives for the welfare of others.
Discuss the transformation of the swallow in the story.
mediumAnswer: Initially, the swallow is keen on joining his friends in Egypt, symbolizing a carefree life. However, moved by the Prince’s compassion and the sufferings he witnesses, he changes, displaying empathy and dedication to altruism, staying with the Prince until his death.
What role does compassion play in this story?
easyAnswer: Compassion is central, driving the actions of the Happy Prince and the swallow. It leads the Prince to notice the suffering of his people and compels the swallow to act as his messenger, ultimately warming the swallow’s heart with the joy of helping others.
Analyze the symbolisms of the Happy Prince's eyes in the narrative.
hardAnswer: The Prince's sapphire eyes symbolize vision and insight, reflecting his ability to see the city's sorrowful conditions. As he loses them to aid others, it signifies the depth of his sacrifice and the profound impact of giving selflessly.
Explain the contrast between the rich and the poor as depicted in the story.
mediumAnswer: The story highlights the disparity between the lavish lives of the rich and the destitution of the poor. While the wealthy indulge in parties, the poor suffer in silence. This contrast underscores themes of social injustice and indifference.