The Happy Prince and Other Tales is a collection of short stories by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1888. The stories are known for their blend of wit, satire, and deep moral insights, often exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and the contrast between wealth and poverty.
The title story, The Happy Prince, tells of a statue of a prince who once lived in luxury but now, in his golden form, sees the suffering of the poor people in his city. Moved by compassion, the statue, with the help of a little swallow, gives away the precious jewels and gold covering his body to help those in need. In doing so, the statue loses his beauty but gains a deeper, more lasting nobility.
Other tales in the collection, like The Nightingale and the Rose, The Selfish Giant, and The Devoted Friend, all explore similar themes, with characters who face moral dilemmas, ultimately leading to personal transformation or sacrifice.
Wilde’s tales often mix fairy-tale elements with profound commentary on human nature, providing moral lessons on kindness, generosity, and the value of true beauty beyond surface appearances.
More ebooks from the same author(s) / Editor
101,147 Ebooks in this category
