The Happy Prince: An Analysis

The courtiers in Oscar Wilde's fairy tale, "The Happy Prince," refer to the prince as "the happy prince" because of his appearance and the golden statue he represents. However, the prince's happiness is not a reflection of his own state but rather an irony in the story. Let's delve deeper into the reasons why the courtiers call him 'the happy prince' and explore what he sees all around him.

Appearance of the Happy Prince:

The happy prince is a majestic statue covered in gold leaf, adorned with sapphires for eyes and a large ruby on his sword hilt. He stands high on a tall column overlooking the city. The townspeople are mesmerized by the beauty of the statue, leading them to believe that the prince must have been happy during his lifetime.

The Irony of the Happy Prince:

Despite his majestic appearance, the happy prince is not truly happy. He was once a living prince who enjoyed a life of luxury, but after his death, his spirit was trapped inside the statue. The prince can see the suffering and poverty that plagues the city, which deeply saddens him. He feels a tremendous empathy for the poor and wishes to help them.

What the Happy Prince Sees:

From his elevated position, the happy prince has a bird's-eye view of the city below. He sees the harsh realities of life that are often hidden from the wealthy and powerful. The prince observes the suffering of the poor, the hungry children, and the destitute families. He notices the cold, the hunger, and the poverty that pervades the city's streets.

The happy prince also witnesses acts of kindness and selflessness through the eyes of a small swallow who perches on his shoulder. The swallow becomes the prince's messenger and carries out his acts of charity, delivering his golden leaves and precious stones to help the needy.

In Conclusion:

Despite being referred to as "the happy prince," the prince is not truly happy. His happiness lies in his ability to empathize with the suffering of others and his willingness to sacrifice his own beauty and wealth for the betterment of the poor. The story serves as a poignant commentary on the disparity between the rich and the poor, highlighting the importance of compassion and selflessness in a world plagued by inequality.