The happy prince saw the misery and sorrow of the people. He asked the swallow to pluck out the jewels from his body and gave these to them. The prince also asked the swallow to take of gold leaves and give the poor

The Prince and the Swallow's Help to the Poor

The story of "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde revolves around a golden statue of a prince who befriends a swallow. Together, they embark on a journey to help the poor and suffering people of the city. Here is a detailed explanation of how the Prince and the Swallow help the poor:

1. The Prince's Perspective:
- The Happy Prince, being a statue covered in gold and jewels, was once a real prince who lived a life of luxury and opulence.
- After his death, his statue was erected in the city, overlooking the town square. This position allowed him to witness the sufferings and hardships of the people firsthand.
- The Prince is deeply moved by the poverty, hunger, and despair he sees in the city.

2. The Swallow's Arrival:
- One day, a swallow passing through the city seeks shelter under the Prince's outstretched arm. The swallow decides to stay and keep the Prince company.

3. The Prince's Request:
- Upon observing the sufferings of the people, the Prince asks the Swallow for help. He requests the Swallow to distribute his precious gold and jewels to those in need.
- The Prince understands that his beauty and wealth are superficial and meaningless unless they can bring happiness to others.

4. The Swallow's Assistance:
- The Swallow selflessly agrees to the Prince's request. With the help of the Prince, it plucks out the gold leaf covering the statue and carries it to the poor and needy.
- The Swallow also takes the precious jewels from the statue and distributes them among the less fortunate.

5. Helping the Sick and Needy:
- The Prince and the Swallow target the most vulnerable in society. They provide aid to the sick, the hungry, and the homeless.
- They offer warmth to a poor playwright and his family, food to a starving artist, and comfort to a little match-girl.

6. Sacrifices of the Swallow:
- The Swallow remains in the city throughout the winter, despite the harsh weather conditions, to continue helping the poor.
- Eventually, the Swallow gives up its own life to provide the last act of kindness by covering the statue with its wings, protecting it from the elements.

7. The Prince's Final Transformation:
- Touched by the selfless acts of the swallow, the Prince's heart is filled with love and compassion.
- When the Mayor and his councillors decide to remove the statue due to its deteriorated appearance, they find that only the lead heart of the statue remains.
- The Prince's noble sacrifice and the Swallow's devotion transform them into symbols of compassion and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Prince and the Swallow work together to alleviate the suffering of the poor in the city. Their acts of kindness, sacrifice, and empathy demonstrate the importance of compassion and the impact individuals can have on improving the lives of others.