The Happy Prince and Other Tales
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What’s inside...
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
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Happy Prince
The Remarkable Rocket
Little Hans
The Selfish Giant
Student
Nightingale
The Swallow
The Miller
Discussion points
What do you think made the Happy Prince feel happy or sad? How can we relate these feelings to our own experiences?
Why do you think the Swallow decided to help the Happy Prince even though he could have flown to Egypt?
What can we learn about kindness and selflessness from the stories in this book?
How do the actions of the characters in these tales inspire us to help others?
What changes would you make to the story if you were one of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide some background on Oscar Wilde and the historical context of these stories to set the stage.
Encourage your child to imagine the characters' worlds, perhaps even drawing scenes or characters while discussing the story.
As you read, pause to explore the emotions of each character. Ask your child how they think the character feels and why.
After reading, relate the themes of the story to your child's environment: school, home, or community and discuss practical ways to apply the lessons learned.
Highlight the moral dilemmas and choices characters face to spark deeper thinking about right and wrong.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and charity
Explanation: In 'The Happy Prince,' the statue of the Happy Prince sacrifices his sapphire eyes and gold leaf covering to help the less fortunate, demonstrating selflessness and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of helping others in need, encouraging them to be kind and to consider the well-being of others in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of true friendship
Explanation: Throughout the tale of 'The Devoted Friend,' the narrative explores the dynamics of true friendship, contrasting genuine camaraderie with exploitation.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand the qualities of a good friend and teaches them to be wary of those who may take advantage of their generosity.
Example Lesson: The consequences of selfishness
Explanation: In 'The Selfish Giant,' the giant’s initial refusal to let children play in his garden leads to perpetual winter, symbolizing isolation and sadness brought on by selfishness.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of sharing and being open to others, and how their actions can affect not just themselves but also the community around them.
Example Lesson: The power of sacrifice and love
Explanation: In 'The Nightingale and the Rose,' the nightingale sacrifices her life to create a red rose symbolizing true love, showing the depth of her commitment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate acts of love and the sacrifices that often accompany them, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The danger of vanity and superficiality
Explanation: ‘The Remarkable Rocket’ showcases a rocket too consumed by his own appearance and self-importance, eventually leading to his downfall.
Real-World Application: This tale serves as a cautionary story for children to focus on inner qualities rather than superficial traits, fostering a sense of humility and integrity.