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Book details

The Happy Prince and Other Tales

The Happy Prince and Other Tales

Published in
1888
4.18
on Goodreads (33,713)

Description

The Happy Prince and Other Tales is a collection of five stories for children written by Oscar Wilde. The stories are characterized by their wit, poetic charm, and often contain moral lessons. The titular story, 'The Happy Prince,' tells of a gilded and bejeweled statue who befriends a swallow. Together, they distribute wealth to the poor and needy, ultimately leading to their own physical demise, but spiritual transcendence. Other tales in the collection include 'The Nightingale and the Rose,' a story of self-sacrifice for love; 'The Selfish Giant,' about a giant who learns the value of sharing and compassion; 'The Devoted Friend,' which satirizes the concept of true friendship; and 'The Remarkable Rocket,' a humorous tale about a delusional and arrogant firework. Each story conveys a lesson on empathy, kindness, and the folly of vanity or selfishness.
Age
8-11
Text complexity
proficient
Length
304 pages

Why to read

  • Classic Literature: 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' is a classic collection of fairy tales that showcases Oscar Wilde's exceptional literary talent and his ability to weave complex emotions into seemingly simple stories.
  • Moral Lessons: Each story in the collection is imbued with moral lessons and themes such as compassion, sacrifice, and the critique of social injustice, making them thought-provoking and educational for readers of all ages.
  • Artistic Prose: Wilde's prose is known for its beauty, wit, and poetic quality. Reading these tales offers an opportunity to appreciate the aesthetic pleasure of well-crafted language and storytelling.
  • Cultural Significance: As part of the literary canon, 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' has influenced many writers and has been adapted into various forms of media, including theater and film, making it a culturally significant work worth reading.