Questions and Answers
What was the Happy Prince covered with?
Gold
Where did the little swallow decide to go?
The swallow flew over the city and found a cloud in the sky.
False
What did the Happy Prince see that made him weep?
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What was the occupation of the woman the Happy Prince observed?
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What did the little boy in the bed want from his mother?
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What did the Happy Prince ask the swallow to bring to the poor woman?
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The swallow immediately agreed to help the Happy Prince.
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What did the swallow do after picking out the ruby?
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Study Notes
The Happy Prince Overview
- The Happy Prince is a gilded statue decorated with gold, sapphires for eyes, and a ruby in his sword.
- Positioned on a tall column, the statue overlooks a city filled with sorrow and misery.
Swallow's Journey
- A little swallow, who stayed behind while his friends migrated to Egypt, arrives at the city at night.
- Initially plans to rest between the feet of the Happy Prince but is surprised by rain despite the clear sky.
Prince's Tears
- The statue weeps for the suffering he witnesses after gaining the ability to see the city's hardships from his high vantage point.
- Once a happy human, the Prince lived in a palace where sorrow was unknown; his heart, now made of lead, allows him to feel empathy for the oppressed.
The Seamstress's Plight
- The Prince reveals a specific instance of suffering: a seamstress working to embroider a gown for a court ball while her sick son pleads for oranges.
- The mother, unable to fulfill his request due to poverty, can only provide river water, leading to her son’s distress.
Call for Help
- The Happy Prince asks the swallow to help the seamstress by taking the ruby from his sword to give to her.
- The swallow is hesitant because he desires to migrate to Egypt but is moved by the statue's sadness and agrees to stay one night.
The Swallow's Mission
- The swallow retrieves the ruby from the Prince and flies over the city, observing the contrast between the wealthy and the poor.
- Passes by the indulgent life of the palace and eventually reaches the seamstress's house, where the boy is suffering from fever.
Act of Kindness
- The swallow lays the ruby beside the seamstress's thimble and fans the feverish boy with his wings, providing temporary relief.
- This act illustrates the significance of compassion and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Themes of Sacrifice and Compassion
- The narrative emphasizes the idea of sacrifice for the benefit of others, as the Happy Prince willingly gives away his treasures to alleviate the pain of those suffering.
- Highlights the stark social inequalities and the importance of empathy towards those in need.
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Description
Explore the themes and character motivations in Oscar Wilde's 'The Happy Prince'. This quiz delves into the symbolic significance of the statue’s sacrifices for the greater good. Test your understanding of this poignant tale of compassion and selflessness.
