The happy prince
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Date
2013
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Publisher
Sheba Blake Publishing
Abstract
"The Happy Prince" is a short story by Oscar Wilde. It tells the tale of a gilded statue of a prince who, despite his outward beauty and once-famed wealth, is now profoundly unhappy when he sees the suffering of the people in his city. With the help of a compassionate swallow, who stays behind during the winter, the prince sacrifices his precious jewels and gold leaf to help the poor and needy. Through these acts of charity, the prince finds true happiness, while the swallow ultimately finds peace in the prince’s company. The story explores themes of selflessness, compassion, and the disparity between wealth and true happiness.