‭ESSAY‬

‭THE HAPPY PRINCE‬

‭ ersonification in "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde‬
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‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭short‬‭story‬‭penned‬‭by‬‭the‬‭renowned‬‭Irish‬‭writer‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde,‬‭stands‬‭as‬‭a‬‭classic‬‭example‬
‭of‬ ‭literary‬ ‭brilliance.‬ ‭The‬ ‭story‬ ‭unfolds‬ ‭around‬ ‭the‬ ‭prince's‬ ‭interaction‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭compassionate‬ ‭swallow‬‭and‬‭their‬‭shared‬
‭journey‬‭of‬‭altruism‬‭and‬‭sacrifice.‬‭At‬‭the‬‭heart‬‭of‬‭the‬‭story‬‭lies‬‭the‬‭remarkable‬‭use‬‭of‬‭personification,‬‭a‬‭literary‬‭device‬‭that‬
‭imbues‬‭inanimate‬‭objects‬‭with‬‭human‬‭qualities,‬‭particularly‬‭in‬‭the‬‭characters‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Swallow.‬‭This‬
‭essay‬ ‭aims‬ ‭to‬ ‭explore‬‭and‬‭analyze‬‭the‬‭use‬‭of‬‭personification‬‭in‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭examining‬‭how‬‭Wilde‬‭utilizes‬‭this‬
‭literary device to convey the story's underlying message.‬
‭Central‬‭to‬‭the‬‭story‬‭is‬‭the‬‭personification‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭himself.‬‭He‬‭is‬‭a‬‭gilded‬‭statue‬‭adorned‬‭with‬‭gold‬‭and‬‭jewels‬
‭that‬‭overlooks‬‭the‬‭city‬‭below.‬‭He‬‭has‬‭"eyes‬‭with‬‭two‬‭bright‬‭sapphires,"‬‭which‬‭give‬‭him‬‭the‬‭ability‬‭to‬‭witness‬‭the‬‭suffering‬
‭of‬‭the‬‭city's‬‭inhabitants,‬‭a‬‭power‬‭far‬‭beyond‬‭that‬‭of‬‭a‬‭mere‬‭statue.‬‭When‬‭he‬‭sees‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭the‬‭city‬‭below,‬‭he‬‭weeps‬
‭for‬‭those‬‭in‬‭need.‬‭"The‬‭eyes‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭were‬‭filled‬‭with‬‭tears,‬‭and‬‭tears‬‭were‬‭running‬‭down‬‭his‬‭golden‬‭cheeks."‬
‭His‬‭tears‬‭become‬‭a‬‭powerful‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭his‬‭emotional‬‭connection‬‭to‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭below.‬‭Moreover,‬‭The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭is‬
‭driven‬‭by‬‭compassion‬‭and‬‭a‬‭profound‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭empathy,‬‭and‬‭he‬‭is‬‭determined‬‭to‬‭alleviate‬‭the‬‭city's‬‭pain.‬‭He‬‭implores‬‭the‬
‭swallow‬ ‭to‬ ‭pluck‬ ‭the‬ ‭precious‬ ‭gems,‬ ‭jewels,‬ ‭and‬ ‭gold‬ ‭that‬ ‭adorn‬ ‭his‬ ‭majestic‬ ‭figure‬ ‭and‬ ‭distribute‬ ‭them‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭needy‬
‭citizens‬‭of‬‭the‬‭city.‬‭The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭becomes‬‭not‬‭merely‬‭a‬‭statue,‬‭but‬‭a‬‭beacon‬‭of‬‭empathy,‬‭casting‬‭his‬‭luminous‬‭light‬
‭upon the darkest corners of despair.‬
‭In‬‭addition‬‭to‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,‬‭Wilde‬‭employs‬‭personification‬‭through‬‭the‬‭character‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Swallow.‬‭Initially‬‭portrayed‬
‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭practical‬ ‭and‬ ‭self-serving‬ ‭creature,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow‬ ‭transforms‬ ‭due‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭prince's‬ ‭influence.‬ ‭He‬ ‭is‬ ‭persuaded‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬
‭prince's‬‭pleas‬‭to‬‭become‬‭an‬‭agent‬‭of‬‭good,‬‭delivering‬‭the‬‭prince's‬‭jewels‬‭to‬‭those‬‭in‬‭need.‬‭Through‬‭dialogue‬‭and‬‭actions,‬
‭the‬ ‭swallow‬ ‭is‬ ‭presented‬ ‭as‬ ‭capable‬ ‭of‬ ‭understanding‬ ‭the‬ ‭prince's‬ ‭instructions‬ ‭and‬ ‭demonstrating‬ ‭compassion.‬ ‭This‬
‭personification underscores the power of empathy, showing how even a simple creature can be moved to act selflessly.‬
‭Through‬ ‭the‬ ‭personification‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow,‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭explores‬ ‭timeless‬ ‭themes‬ ‭of‬ ‭compassion,‬
‭sacrifice,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭human‬‭condition.‬‭As‬‭readers‬‭delve‬‭into‬‭the‬‭story,‬‭they‬‭are‬‭confronted‬‭with‬‭the‬‭harsh‬‭realities‬‭of‬‭social‬
‭inequality‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭transformative‬ ‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭empathy‬ ‭and‬ ‭selflessness.‬ ‭Ultimately,‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince"‬ ‭stands‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬
‭testament‬ ‭to‬ ‭Wilde’s‬ ‭literary‬ ‭genius‬ ‭and‬ ‭his‬ ‭enduring‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭provoke‬ ‭thought‬ ‭and‬ ‭inspire‬ ‭change‬ ‭through‬‭the‬‭art‬‭of‬
‭storytelling.‬

‭Character the Happy Prince‬

‭ scar‬‭Wilde's‬‭timeless‬‭fairy‬‭tale,‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭invites‬‭readers‬‭into‬‭a‬‭magical‬‭world‬‭that‬‭blends‬‭fantasy‬‭and‬‭reality,‬
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‭exploring‬ ‭themes‬ ‭of‬ ‭compassion,‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭true‬ ‭happiness.‬ ‭At‬ ‭the‬‭heart‬‭of‬‭this‬‭enchanting‬‭tale‬‭is‬‭the‬
‭titular‬‭character,‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,‬‭who‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭selflessness‬‭and‬‭benevolence.‬‭This‬‭essay‬‭aims‬‭to‬‭analyze‬
‭the‬‭complexities‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Prince's‬‭character,‬‭delving‬‭into‬‭his‬‭transformation,‬‭selfless‬‭actions,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭poignant‬‭messages‬‭he‬
‭imparts.‬
‭In‬ ‭the‬ ‭outset,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince‬ ‭is‬ ‭introduced‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭golden‬ ‭statue‬ ‭adorned‬ ‭with‬ ‭precious‬ ‭jewels.‬ ‭His‬ ‭grand‬ ‭appearance‬
‭reflects‬ ‭his‬ ‭past‬ ‭life‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭statue‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Palace‬‭of‬‭Sans-Souci,‬‭representing‬‭luxury‬‭and‬‭extravagance.‬‭He‬‭used‬‭to‬‭live‬‭in‬‭a‬
‭palace‬‭where‬‭sorrow‬‭was‬‭not‬‭allowed‬‭and‬‭spent‬‭his‬‭days‬‭playing‬‭with‬‭his‬‭companions‬‭in‬‭the‬‭garden‬‭and‬‭leading‬‭the‬‭dance‬
‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭Great‬ ‭Hall.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬ ‭story‬ ‭progresses,‬ ‭his‬ ‭transformation‬‭into‬‭a‬‭compassionate‬‭and‬‭self-sacrificing‬‭being‬
‭becomes apparent. He remarks that he has been placed so high up that he can see all the ugliness and misery in his city.‬
‭The‬‭Prince's‬‭character‬‭is‬‭shown‬‭by‬‭his‬‭generous‬‭acts,‬‭driven‬‭by‬‭a‬‭deep‬‭well‬‭of‬‭empathy‬‭for‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭the‬‭city's‬‭poor.‬
‭Wilde‬‭paints‬‭a‬‭vivid‬‭picture‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Prince's‬‭compassion‬‭as‬‭he‬‭tells‬‭his‬‭loyal‬‭companion,‬‭the‬‭Swallow,‬‭to‬‭distribute‬‭his‬‭gold‬
‭and‬‭jewels‬‭to‬‭those‬‭in‬‭need.‬‭This‬‭selfless‬‭act‬‭is‬‭a‬‭strong‬‭message‬‭about‬‭the‬‭unfairness‬‭in‬‭society‬‭and‬‭the‬‭positive‬‭power‬‭of‬
‭giving.‬ ‭The‬ ‭Prince,‬ ‭who‬ ‭once‬ ‭lived‬ ‭a‬ ‭privileged‬ ‭life‬ ‭in‬ ‭a‬ ‭palace,‬ ‭now‬ ‭connects‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭harsh‬ ‭realities‬ ‭of‬ ‭his‬ ‭city,‬
‭displaying a newfound awareness of the struggles faced by the less fortunate.‬
‭(The‬‭Prince‬‭also‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭symbolic‬‭figure‬‭embodying‬‭Wilde's‬‭social‬‭commentary.‬‭His‬‭eyes,‬‭made‬‭of‬‭precious‬‭sapphires,‬
‭represent‬ ‭insight‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭see‬ ‭beyond‬ ‭surface-level‬ ‭appearances.‬ ‭The‬ ‭swallow,‬ ‭serving‬ ‭as‬ ‭his‬ ‭messenger,‬
‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭importance‬ ‭of‬ ‭communication‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭dissemination‬ ‭of‬ ‭compassion.‬ ‭The‬ ‭gilded‬ ‭exterior‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Prince‬
‭symbolizes‬‭the‬‭superficial‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭societal‬‭expectations,‬‭while‬‭his‬‭self-sacrifice‬‭emphasizes‬‭the‬‭inherent‬‭nobility‬‭found‬
‭in acts of kindness and empathy.‬

‭24‬
‭ hrough‬‭the‬‭Prince,‬‭Wilde‬‭shares‬‭a‬‭powerful‬‭message‬‭about‬‭what‬‭true‬‭happiness‬‭is.‬‭By‬‭giving‬‭up‬‭his‬‭material‬‭wealth‬‭and‬
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‭caring‬‭for‬‭the‬‭suffering,‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭discovers‬‭a‬‭deep‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭fulfilment‬‭that‬‭is‬‭more‬‭important‬‭than‬‭the‬‭temporary‬
‭pleasures‬‭of‬‭luxury.‬‭The‬‭Prince's‬‭selfless‬‭acts‬‭challenge‬‭traditional‬‭ideas‬‭of‬‭success‬‭and‬‭happiness,‬‭making‬‭readers‬‭think‬
‭about their priorities and recognize how compassion is important for a society to be good.)‬
‭Oscar‬‭Wilde's‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince"‬‭presents‬‭readers‬‭with‬‭a‬‭character‬‭who‬‭changes‬‭from‬‭a‬‭royal‬‭statue‬‭to‬‭a‬‭selfless‬‭giver.‬
‭This‬ ‭change‬ ‭shows‬ ‭the‬ ‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭empathy‬ ‭and‬‭sacrifice.‬‭The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭beacon‬‭of‬‭light,‬‭illuminating‬‭the‬
‭path‬ ‭to‬ ‭genuine‬ ‭happiness‬ ‭through‬ ‭acts‬ ‭of‬ ‭kindness‬ ‭and‬ ‭understanding.‬ ‭Wilde's‬ ‭exploration‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Prince's‬ ‭character‬
‭resonates‬ ‭with‬ ‭timeless‬ ‭lessons,‬ ‭encouraging‬ ‭readers‬ ‭to‬ ‭reflect‬ ‭on‬ ‭their‬ ‭values‬ ‭and‬ ‭consider‬ ‭the‬ ‭enduring‬ ‭impact‬ ‭of‬
‭benevolence in a world often blinded by material pursuits.‬

‭Character the Swallow‬

I‭ n‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde's‬‭poignant‬‭fairytale,‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭the‬‭titular‬‭prince‬‭may‬‭be‬‭the‬‭embodiment‬‭of‬‭selfless‬‭charity,‬‭but‬
‭it‬ ‭is‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow‬ ‭who‬ ‭acts‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬ ‭catalyst‬ ‭for‬ ‭his‬ ‭good‬ ‭deeds.‬ ‭This‬ ‭essay‬ ‭will‬ ‭analyze‬ ‭the‬ ‭character‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow,‬
‭exploring his transformation from a carefree traveller to a symbol of unwavering loyalty and compassion.‬
‭At‬ ‭first,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow‬‭is‬‭presented‬‭as‬‭a‬‭carefree‬‭creature‬‭on‬‭his‬‭way‬‭to‬‭Egypt‬‭for‬‭the‬‭winter.‬‭He‬‭easily‬‭falls‬‭in‬‭love‬‭with‬
‭Reed,‬‭foreshadowing‬‭his‬‭later‬‭susceptibility‬‭to‬‭the‬‭plight‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince.‬‭When‬‭he‬‭encounters‬‭the‬‭weeping‬‭statue,‬‭the‬
‭Swallow‬ ‭is‬ ‭struck‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭Prince's‬ ‭genuine‬ ‭sorrow‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭suffering‬ ‭below.‬ ‭Here,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow‬ ‭makes‬ ‭a‬ ‭crucial‬ ‭choice:‬
‭despite‬ ‭the‬ ‭allure‬ ‭of‬ ‭his‬ ‭warm‬ ‭migration,‬ ‭he‬ ‭stays‬ ‭to‬ ‭help‬ ‭the‬‭Prince‬‭alleviate‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭others.‬‭This‬‭act‬‭marks‬‭a‬
‭significant shift in the Swallow's character, demonstrating his capacity for empathy and selflessness.‬
‭The‬‭Swallow‬‭becomes‬‭the‬‭Prince's‬‭loyal‬‭companion‬‭and‬‭confidante,‬‭readily‬‭agreeing‬‭to‬‭the‬‭Prince's‬‭requests‬‭and‬‭acting‬‭as‬
‭the‬ ‭courier‬ ‭of‬ ‭his‬ ‭treasures‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭downtrodden.‬ ‭Through‬‭his‬‭actions,‬‭the‬‭Swallow‬‭becomes‬‭an‬‭active‬‭participant‬‭in‬‭the‬
‭Prince's‬ ‭charity.‬ ‭He‬ ‭witnesses‬‭firsthand‬‭the‬‭impact‬‭of‬‭their‬‭deeds,‬‭feeling‬‭"quite‬‭warm‬‭now,‬‭although‬‭it‬‭is‬‭so‬‭cold"‬‭after‬
‭witnessing‬‭the‬‭relief‬‭brought‬‭to‬‭a‬‭seamstress,‬‭a‬‭starving‬‭family,‬‭and‬‭a‬‭struggling‬‭writer.‬‭This‬‭firsthand‬‭experience‬‭deepens‬
‭the Swallow's commitment to the cause, fostering a sense of responsibility that transcends mere obedience.‬
‭The‬ ‭Swallow's‬ ‭transformation‬ ‭is‬ ‭further‬ ‭emphasized‬ ‭by‬ ‭his‬ ‭defiance‬ ‭of‬ ‭natural‬ ‭order.‬ ‭He‬ ‭delays‬ ‭his‬ ‭migration‬ ‭south,‬
‭defying‬‭the‬‭instincts‬‭that‬‭would‬‭usually‬‭guide‬‭his‬‭actions,‬‭and‬‭refuses‬‭to‬‭abandon‬‭the‬‭Prince,‬‭particularly‬‭after‬‭the‬‭Prince‬
‭sacrifices‬‭his‬‭own‬‭beautiful‬‭sapphire‬‭eyes.‬‭This‬‭act‬‭of‬‭rebellion‬‭signifies‬‭his‬‭commitment‬‭to‬‭a‬‭higher‬‭purpose,‬‭a‬‭testament‬
‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭empathy‬ ‭to‬ ‭reshape‬ ‭one's‬‭priorities.‬‭The‬‭Swallow's‬‭journey‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭metaphor‬‭for‬‭the‬‭transformative‬
‭power of love and compassion, urging readers to consider the value of looking beyond oneself.‬
‭However,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Swallow's‬ ‭unwavering‬ ‭devotion‬ ‭comes‬ ‭at‬‭a‬‭cost.‬‭Choosing‬‭to‬‭stay‬‭with‬‭the‬‭Prince‬‭ultimately‬‭leads‬‭to‬‭his‬
‭demise.‬ ‭This‬ ‭ending‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭harsh‬ ‭realities‬ ‭of‬ ‭selflessness.‬ ‭It‬ ‭also‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭story's‬ ‭central‬ ‭theme:‬ ‭true‬
‭happiness‬‭lies‬‭not‬‭in‬‭material‬‭possessions‬‭but‬‭in‬‭acts‬‭of‬‭selfless‬‭giving‬‭because‬‭after‬‭the‬‭Swallow‬‭dies,‬‭the‬‭Swallow‬‭can‬
‭"sing forevermore" in God's garden of paradise.‬
‭In‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince,"‬ ‭Oscar‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭masterfully‬ ‭employs‬ ‭the‬ ‭character‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Swallow‬‭to‬‭convey‬‭a‬‭powerful‬‭message‬
‭about‬ ‭the‬ ‭transformative‬ ‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭selflessness‬ ‭and‬ ‭sacrifice.‬ ‭The‬ ‭Swallow's‬ ‭journey‬ ‭from‬ ‭a‬‭self-centered‬‭creature‬‭to‬‭a‬
‭symbol‬‭of‬‭empathy‬‭and‬‭love‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭timeless‬‭reminder‬‭of‬‭the‬‭importance‬‭of‬‭compassion‬‭in‬‭a‬‭world‬‭often‬‭blinded‬‭by‬
‭materialism.‬‭Through‬‭the‬‭Swallow's‬‭sacrifice,‬‭Wilde‬‭encourages‬‭readers‬‭to‬‭reflect‬‭on‬‭their‬‭capacity‬‭for‬‭kindness‬‭and‬‭the‬
‭true sources of lasting happiness.‬

‭ heme happiness‬
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‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭short‬‭story‬‭penned‬‭by‬‭the‬‭renowned‬‭Irish‬‭writer‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde,‬‭stands‬‭as‬‭a‬‭classic‬‭example‬
‭of‬ ‭literary‬ ‭brilliance.‬ ‭The‬ ‭story‬ ‭unfolds‬ ‭around‬ ‭the‬ ‭prince's‬ ‭interaction‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭compassionate‬ ‭swallow‬‭and‬‭their‬‭shared‬
‭journey‬‭of‬‭altruism‬‭and‬‭sacrifice.‬‭Amidst‬‭the‬‭opulence‬‭of‬‭a‬‭fictitious‬‭city,‬‭Wilde‬‭weaves‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭tale‬‭that‬‭explores‬‭the‬
‭multifaceted‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭happiness.‬ ‭This‬ ‭essay‬ ‭aims‬ ‭to‬‭analyze‬‭the‬‭theme‬‭of‬‭happiness‬‭in‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭exploring‬
‭how Wilde uses the characters, symbols, and narrative elements to convey his thoughts on the true nature of happiness.‬
‭In‬ ‭the‬ ‭opening‬ ‭scenes‬ ‭of‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬‭Prince,"‬‭Wilde‬‭introduces‬‭readers‬‭to‬‭a‬‭city‬‭where‬‭material‬‭wealth‬‭and‬‭superficial‬
‭happiness‬‭reign‬‭supreme.‬‭The‬‭titular‬‭character,‬‭a‬‭beautiful‬‭statue‬‭adorned‬‭with‬‭gold‬‭leaf‬‭and‬‭precious‬‭jewels,‬‭symbolizes‬
‭the‬‭epitome‬‭of‬‭material‬‭opulence.‬‭However,‬‭despite‬‭his‬‭outward‬‭appearance‬‭of‬‭happiness,‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭is‬‭plagued‬‭by‬
‭the‬ ‭suffering‬ ‭and‬ ‭poverty‬ ‭he‬ ‭witnesses‬ ‭from‬‭his‬‭pedestal.‬‭His‬‭initial‬‭happiness,‬‭rooted‬‭in‬‭material‬‭wealth‬‭and‬‭luxury,‬‭is‬
‭contrasted with the profound sadness he experiences upon witnessing the city's misery.‬
‭As‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative‬ ‭progresses,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince‬ ‭embarks‬ ‭on‬‭a‬‭journey‬‭of‬‭self-discovery‬‭facilitated‬‭by‬‭the‬‭compassionate‬
‭swallow.‬‭Together,‬‭they‬‭embark‬‭on‬‭a‬‭mission‬‭to‬‭alleviate‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭the‬‭city's‬‭impoverished‬‭inhabitants.‬‭Through‬‭acts‬
‭25‬
o‭ f‬ ‭altruism‬ ‭and‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭swallow‬ ‭exemplify‬ ‭a‬ ‭higher‬ ‭form‬ ‭of‬ ‭happiness—one‬ ‭rooted‬ ‭in‬
‭selflessness‬ ‭and‬ ‭empathy.‬ ‭Their‬ ‭willingness‬‭to‬‭prioritize‬‭the‬‭well-being‬‭of‬‭others‬‭over‬‭their‬‭own‬‭comfort‬‭challenges‬‭the‬
‭prevailing notion that happiness is solely derived from individual fulfillment and material possessions.‬
‭Wilde‬‭subtly‬‭suggests‬‭that‬‭true‬‭happiness‬‭transcends‬‭material‬‭wealth‬‭and‬‭individual‬‭desires.‬‭Instead,‬‭it‬‭is‬‭found‬‭in‬‭genuine‬
‭connections,‬‭compassion,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭pursuit‬‭of‬‭a‬‭greater‬‭good.‬‭The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭finds‬‭solace‬‭and‬‭fulfillment‬‭in‬‭his‬‭ability‬‭to‬
‭alleviate‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭others,‬‭despite‬‭the‬‭personal‬‭cost.‬‭Similarly,‬‭the‬‭swallow‬‭discovers‬‭profound‬‭happiness‬‭in‬‭serving‬
‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭vessel‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭Prince's‬ ‭acts‬ ‭of‬ ‭kindness,‬ ‭forsaking‬ ‭personal‬ ‭comfort‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭sake‬ ‭of‬‭others.‬‭Through‬‭their‬‭journey,‬
‭Wilde underscores the transformative power of empathy and selflessness in attaining genuine happiness.‬
‭Oscar‬ ‭Wilde's‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince"‬ ‭offers‬ ‭a‬ ‭nuanced‬ ‭exploration‬ ‭of‬ ‭happiness,‬ ‭challenging‬ ‭conventional‬ ‭notions‬ ‭and‬
‭presenting‬ ‭a‬ ‭compelling‬ ‭argument‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭deeper,‬ ‭more‬ ‭meaningful‬ ‭aspects‬ ‭of‬ ‭joy.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭rich‬ ‭symbolism,‬
‭well-developed‬ ‭characters,‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭thought-provoking‬ ‭narrative,‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭invites‬ ‭readers‬ ‭to‬ ‭reflect‬ ‭on‬ ‭the‬ ‭true‬ ‭sources‬ ‭of‬
‭happiness‬‭and‬‭the‬‭importance‬‭of‬‭compassion,‬‭sacrifice,‬‭and‬‭social‬‭responsibility‬‭in‬‭achieving‬‭a‬‭fulfilling‬‭and‬‭meaningful‬
‭life.‬

‭ ymbolism‬
S
‭Oscar‬‭Wilde's‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince"‬‭transcends‬‭the‬‭boundaries‬‭of‬‭a‬‭simple‬‭fairy‬‭tale,‬‭employing‬‭rich‬‭symbolism‬‭to‬‭explore‬
‭themes‬ ‭of‬ ‭social‬ ‭disparity,‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭true‬ ‭meaning‬ ‭of‬ ‭happiness.‬ ‭Through‬‭the‬‭use‬‭of‬‭contrasting‬‭characters‬‭and‬
‭evocative‬ ‭imagery,‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭crafts‬ ‭a‬ ‭poignant‬ ‭narrative‬ ‭that‬ ‭critiques‬ ‭societal‬ ‭indifference‬ ‭while‬ ‭celebrating‬ ‭the‬
‭transformative power of empathy.‬
‭The‬‭titular‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭himself‬‭is‬‭a‬‭powerful‬‭symbol.‬‭Once‬‭a‬‭prince‬‭who‬‭lived‬‭a‬‭life‬‭of‬‭luxury,‬‭unaware‬‭of‬‭the‬‭suffering‬
‭of‬‭his‬‭people,‬‭he‬‭is‬‭now‬‭a‬‭gilded‬‭statue‬‭overlooking‬‭the‬‭city.‬‭His‬‭elevated‬‭position‬‭represents‬‭the‬‭ruling‬‭class,‬‭often‬‭blind‬
‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭struggles‬ ‭of‬ ‭those‬ ‭beneath‬ ‭them.‬ ‭The‬ ‭statue's‬‭gold‬‭and‬‭jewels,‬‭initially‬‭symbols‬‭of‬‭wealth‬‭and‬‭privilege,‬‭become‬
‭tarnished‬‭as‬‭the‬‭Prince‬‭uses‬‭them‬‭to‬‭alleviate‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭the‬‭city's‬‭poor.‬‭This‬‭transformation‬‭highlights‬‭the‬‭potential‬
‭for the wealthy to use their resources for social good, even if it means sacrificing their outward beauty.‬
‭-The‬‭swallow,‬‭on‬‭the‬‭other‬‭hand,‬‭embodies‬‭selflessness‬‭and‬‭compassion.‬‭Despite‬‭nearing‬‭the‬‭end‬‭of‬‭his‬‭migration‬‭journey‬
‭south,‬‭he‬‭chooses‬‭to‬‭remain‬‭with‬‭the‬‭Prince,‬‭acting‬‭as‬‭his‬‭agent‬‭of‬‭charity.‬‭The‬‭swallow's‬‭journey‬‭southward‬‭symbolizes‬
‭the‬‭natural‬‭human‬‭desire‬‭for‬‭comfort‬‭and‬‭self-preservation.‬‭Yet,‬‭his‬‭defiance‬‭of‬‭this‬‭instinct‬‭and‬‭his‬‭willingness‬‭to‬‭suffer‬
‭alongside the Prince represent the power of empathy to motivate selfless acts.‬
‭The‬ ‭objects‬ ‭the‬ ‭Prince‬ ‭gives‬ ‭away‬ ‭are‬ ‭imbued‬ ‭with‬ ‭additional‬ ‭symbolic‬ ‭meaning.‬ ‭The‬‭gold‬‭leaf,‬‭once‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭his‬
‭opulent‬ ‭past,‬ ‭becomes‬ ‭a‬ ‭means‬ ‭to‬ ‭help‬ ‭the‬ ‭impoverished‬ ‭seamstress‬ ‭and‬ ‭her‬ ‭sick‬ ‭child.‬ ‭This‬ ‭act‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬
‭importance‬ ‭of‬ ‭prioritizing‬ ‭basic‬ ‭human‬ ‭needs‬ ‭over‬ ‭material‬ ‭possessions.‬ ‭The‬ ‭ruby‬ ‭given‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭writer‬ ‭signifies‬ ‭the‬
‭sacrifice‬ ‭of‬ ‭art‬ ‭and‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭sake‬ ‭of‬ ‭survival.‬ ‭Finally,‬ ‭the‬ ‭sapphire‬ ‭offered‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭little‬ ‭match‬ ‭girl‬ ‭represents‬‭the‬
‭extinguishment‬‭of‬‭hope‬‭and‬‭innocence‬‭in‬‭the‬‭face‬‭of‬‭poverty.‬‭These‬‭objects,‬‭stripped‬‭from‬‭the‬‭Prince,‬‭highlight‬‭the‬‭harsh‬
‭realities of life for the city's underprivileged.‬
‭The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince's‬ ‭leaden‬ ‭heart,‬ ‭concealed‬‭within‬‭his‬‭statue,‬‭symbolizes‬‭the‬‭burden‬‭of‬‭sorrow‬‭and‬‭compassion‬‭that‬‭he‬
‭carries‬ ‭for‬ ‭his‬ ‭people.‬ ‭Unable‬ ‭to‬ ‭alleviate‬ ‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭his‬‭subjects‬‭directly,‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince‬‭experiences‬‭profound‬
‭anguish‬ ‭as‬ ‭he‬ ‭witnesses‬ ‭their‬ ‭plight‬ ‭from‬ ‭his‬ ‭elevated‬ ‭vantage‬ ‭point.‬ ‭The‬ ‭symbolism‬‭of‬‭the‬‭lead‬‭heart‬‭underscores‬‭the‬
‭emotional weight of empathy and the inherent sacrifices inherent in acts of compassion.‬
‭In‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince,"‬ ‭Oscar‬‭Wilde‬‭employs‬‭a‬‭rich‬‭tapestry‬‭of‬‭symbolism‬‭to‬‭explore‬‭themes‬‭of‬‭compassion,‬‭sacrifice,‬
‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭human‬ ‭condition.‬ ‭Through‬‭the‬‭allegorical‬‭elements‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Happy‬‭Prince,‬‭the‬‭Swallow,‬‭the‬‭Statue,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Lead‬
‭Heart, Wilde crafts a timeless narrative that resonates with readers across generations.‬

‭ itle‬
T
‭Oscar‬ ‭Wilde's‬ ‭fairy‬ ‭tale,‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Happy‬ ‭Prince,"‬ ‭holds‬ ‭a‬ ‭deceptively‬‭simple‬‭title‬‭that‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭doorway‬‭into‬‭the‬‭story's‬
‭complex‬‭themes.‬‭While‬‭seemingly‬‭straightforward,‬‭the‬‭title‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince"‬‭introduces‬‭a‬‭paradox‬‭that‬‭invites‬‭deeper‬
‭analysis.‬‭This‬‭essay‬‭will‬‭explore‬‭how‬‭the‬‭title‬‭functions‬‭in‬‭the‬‭narrative,‬‭establishing‬‭a‬‭foundation‬‭for‬‭the‬‭exploration‬‭of‬
‭appearances, social critique, and the true meaning of happiness.‬
‭On‬ ‭the‬ ‭surface‬ ‭level,‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬ ‭introduces‬ ‭the‬ ‭central‬ ‭character‬ ‭–‬ ‭a‬ ‭prince‬ ‭depicted‬ ‭as‬ ‭perpetually‬ ‭joyful.‬ ‭This‬ ‭initial‬
‭impression‬ ‭aligns‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭societal‬ ‭expectation‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭prince,‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭wealth,‬ ‭privilege,‬ ‭and‬‭presumably,‬‭happiness.‬
‭However,‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative‬ ‭quickly‬ ‭subverts‬ ‭this‬ ‭expectation.‬ ‭The‬ ‭prince‬ ‭is‬ ‭not‬ ‭a‬ ‭living,‬ ‭breathing‬ ‭royal‬ ‭figure‬‭but‬‭a‬‭cold,‬
‭inanimate‬ ‭statue.‬ ‭His‬ ‭"happiness"‬ ‭becomes‬ ‭a‬ ‭facade,‬ ‭a‬ ‭gilded‬ ‭exterior‬ ‭hiding‬ ‭a‬ ‭life‬ ‭of‬ ‭luxury‬ ‭devoid‬ ‭of‬ ‭empathy‬ ‭or‬
‭awareness of the suffering below.‬
‭26‬
‭ he‬‭title‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince"‬‭immediately‬‭introduces‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭irony,‬‭as‬‭the‬‭happiness‬‭of‬‭the‬‭prince‬‭is‬‭not‬‭a‬‭conventional‬
T
‭one.‬‭While‬‭he‬‭may‬‭be‬‭adorned‬‭in‬‭gold‬‭and‬‭precious‬‭jewels,‬‭his‬‭true‬‭joy‬‭stems‬‭from‬‭selfless‬‭acts‬‭of‬‭kindness‬‭and‬‭empathy‬
‭for‬‭the‬‭suffering‬‭of‬‭his‬‭subjects.‬‭The‬‭title's‬‭irony‬‭becomes‬‭even‬‭more‬‭pronounced‬‭through‬‭the‬‭swallow's‬‭perspective.‬‭The‬
‭swallow,‬‭initially‬‭attracted‬‭by‬‭the‬‭prince's‬‭apparent‬‭happiness,‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭catalyst‬‭for‬‭the‬‭prince's‬‭transformation.‬‭As‬‭the‬
‭swallow‬ ‭embarks‬ ‭on‬ ‭missions‬ ‭of‬ ‭charity,‬ ‭delivering‬ ‭the‬ ‭prince's‬ ‭jewels‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬‭city's‬‭impoverished,‬‭the‬‭prince‬‭sheds‬‭his‬
‭outward‬‭appearance‬‭of‬‭happiness,‬‭sacrificing‬‭his‬‭beauty‬‭for‬‭the‬‭sake‬‭of‬‭others.This‬‭irony‬‭sets‬‭the‬‭stage‬‭for‬‭the‬‭overarching‬
‭theme‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭story:‬ ‭the‬ ‭distinction‬ ‭between‬ ‭superficial‬ ‭happiness‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭profound‬ ‭fulfillment‬ ‭derived‬ ‭from‬ ‭altruistic‬
‭deeds.‬
‭In‬‭conclusion,‬‭the‬‭title‬‭of‬‭"The‬‭Happy‬‭Prince"‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭multifaceted‬‭element‬‭in‬‭Wilde's‬‭narrative.‬‭It‬‭establishes‬‭a‬‭central‬
‭character,‬ ‭introduces‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭paradox,‬‭and‬‭lays‬‭the‬‭groundwork‬‭for‬‭the‬‭story's‬‭exploration‬‭of‬‭happiness,‬‭appearances,‬
‭and‬‭social‬‭critique.‬‭Through‬‭its‬‭deceptive‬‭simplicity,‬‭the‬‭title‬‭invites‬‭deeper‬‭analysis,‬‭prompting‬‭the‬‭reader‬‭to‬‭question‬‭the‬
‭true meaning of happiness and the responsibility that comes with privilege.‬

‭THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE ROSE‬

‭ he Nightingale‬
T
‭"The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Rose,"‬ ‭a‬ ‭poignant‬ ‭short‬ ‭story‬ ‭penned‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭renowned‬ ‭Irish‬‭writer‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde,‬‭stands‬‭as‬‭a‬
‭classic‬‭example‬‭of‬‭literary‬‭brilliance.‬‭The‬‭story‬‭revolves‬‭around‬‭a‬‭self-sacrificing‬‭nightingale‬‭who‬‭gives‬‭his‬‭life‬‭to‬‭create‬‭a‬
‭red‬ ‭rose‬ ‭for‬ ‭an‬ ‭indifferent‬ ‭lovelorn‬ ‭student.‬ ‭Central‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative‬ ‭is‬ ‭the‬ ‭character‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Nightingale,‬ ‭a‬ ‭selfless‬ ‭and‬
‭devoted‬‭creature‬‭who‬‭plays‬‭a‬‭crucial‬‭role‬‭in‬‭unraveling‬‭the‬‭complexities‬‭of‬‭human‬‭emotions.‬‭This‬‭essay‬‭aims‬‭to‬‭analyze‬
‭the‬ ‭Nightingale's‬ ‭character,‬ ‭exploring‬ ‭its‬ ‭motivations,‬ ‭actions,‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭symbolic‬ ‭significance‬ ‭she‬ ‭holds‬ ‭within‬ ‭the‬
‭narrative.‬
‭The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭is‬ ‭portrayed‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭romantic‬ ‭and‬ ‭idealistic‬ ‭character‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭deep‬ ‭understanding‬ ‭of‬ ‭love.‬ ‭She‬ ‭is‬ ‭deeply‬
‭moved‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭Student’s‬ ‭sorrow‬ ‭for‬ ‭unrequited‬ ‭love‬ ‭and‬ ‭decides‬ ‭to‬ ‭help‬ ‭him‬‭despite‬‭not‬‭knowing‬‭him‬‭personally.‬‭This‬
‭shows her compassionate nature and willingness to help others.‬
‭The‬‭Nightingale‬‭has‬‭a‬‭profound‬‭understanding‬‭of‬‭love,‬‭which‬‭she‬‭considers‬‭to‬‭be‬‭more‬‭than‬‭just‬‭a‬‭fleeting‬‭emotion.‬‭She‬
‭believes‬ ‭that‬ ‭true‬ ‭love‬ ‭involves‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭and‬ ‭she‬ ‭demonstrates‬ ‭this‬ ‭belief‬ ‭by‬ ‭giving‬ ‭up‬ ‭her‬ ‭life‬ ‭to‬ ‭create‬ ‭the‬‭red‬‭rose‬
‭needed by the Student. Her understanding of love contrasts sharply with the Student’s superficial view of love.‬
‭The‬ ‭ultimate‬ ‭sacrifice‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭is‬ ‭the‬ ‭pinnacle‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬ ‭character.‬ ‭She‬ ‭willingly‬‭gives‬‭her‬‭life,‬‭believing‬‭in‬‭the‬
‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭love‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭importance‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬ ‭mission.‬ ‭Her‬ ‭death‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭poignant‬ ‭moment‬ ‭that‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭depth‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬
‭commitment and the tragedy of her unappreciated sacrifice.‬
‭In‬‭conclusion,‬‭the‬‭Nightingale‬‭is‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭true‬‭love‬‭and‬‭self-sacrifice.‬‭Despite‬‭her‬‭tragic‬‭end,‬‭she‬‭embodies‬‭the‬‭purity‬
‭of‬‭love‬‭and‬‭the‬‭willingness‬‭to‬‭give‬‭everything‬‭for‬‭it.‬‭Her‬‭character‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭stark‬‭contrast‬‭to‬‭the‬‭other‬‭characters‬‭in‬‭the‬
‭story, making her the true embodiment of love in “The Nightingale and the Rose”.‬

‭ heme‬
T
‭Oscar‬‭Wilde's‬‭"The‬‭Nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Rose"‬‭presents‬‭a‬‭deceptively‬‭simple‬‭story‬‭that‬‭unfolds‬‭a‬‭complex‬‭exploration‬‭of‬
‭love.‬‭Through‬‭the‬‭plight‬‭of‬‭a‬‭lovelorn‬‭student‬‭and‬‭the‬‭self-sacrificing‬‭nightingale,‬‭Wilde‬‭dissects‬‭the‬‭true‬‭essence‬‭of‬‭love,‬
‭contrasting it with superficial desires and societal expectations.‬
‭The‬ ‭student's‬ ‭love‬ ‭revolves‬ ‭entirely‬‭around‬‭the‬‭capricious‬‭demands‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Professor's‬‭daughter.‬‭Her‬‭affection‬‭hinges‬‭on‬
‭the‬‭singular,‬‭materialistic‬‭desire‬‭for‬‭a‬‭red‬‭rose,‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭fleeting‬‭passion‬‭rather‬‭than‬‭genuine‬‭connection.‬‭The‬‭student's‬
‭despair‬ ‭stems‬‭not‬‭from‬‭a‬‭deep‬‭love‬‭for‬‭the‬‭girl‬‭herself,‬‭but‬‭from‬‭his‬‭inability‬‭to‬‭fulfill‬‭this‬‭superficial‬‭requirement.‬‭This‬
‭sets the stage for the nightingale's selfless act, highlighting the stark contrast between these two forms of love.‬
‭The‬‭nightingale's‬‭love‬‭is‬‭profound‬‭and‬‭unconditional.‬‭Touched‬‭by‬‭the‬‭student's‬‭despair,‬‭she‬‭willingly‬‭offers‬‭the‬‭ultimate‬
‭sacrifice‬ ‭–‬ ‭her‬ ‭own‬ ‭life‬ ‭–‬ ‭to‬ ‭create‬ ‭the‬ ‭red‬ ‭rose.‬‭Her‬‭song,‬‭imbued‬‭with‬‭her‬‭lifeblood,‬‭embodies‬‭a‬‭love‬‭that‬‭transcends‬
‭personal gain. It is a love fueled by empathy and a desire to see the student happy, even if it means her own demise.‬
‭Wilde's‬ ‭portrayal‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose‬ ‭itself‬ ‭is‬ ‭significant.‬ ‭The‬ ‭rose‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭traditionally‬ ‭romantic‬‭symbol,‬‭but‬‭in‬‭this‬‭story,‬‭it‬‭lacks‬
‭inherent‬‭value.‬‭It‬‭is‬‭only‬‭through‬‭the‬‭nightingale's‬‭sacrifice‬‭that‬‭it‬‭acquires‬‭beauty‬‭and‬‭meaning.‬‭This‬‭emphasizes‬‭the‬‭idea‬
‭that true love imbues even the ordinary with extraordinary significance.‬
‭The‬ ‭story's‬ ‭tragic‬ ‭ending‬ ‭further‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭theme.‬ ‭The‬ ‭student,‬ ‭oblivious‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭remains‬
‭fixated‬‭on‬‭the‬‭girl's‬‭shallowness.‬‭He‬‭discards‬‭the‬‭rose‬‭after‬‭the‬‭girl‬‭declares‬‭it‬‭imperfect‬‭and‬‭finds‬‭solace‬‭in‬‭the‬‭artificiality‬
‭of the swallow's news. This reinforces the notion that love based on appearances is fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling.‬

‭27‬
"‭ The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Rose"‬ ‭serves‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭cautionary‬ ‭tale.‬ ‭It‬ ‭exposes‬ ‭the‬ ‭dangers‬ ‭of‬ ‭mistaking‬ ‭fleeting‬ ‭desires‬ ‭for‬
‭genuine‬ ‭love.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭the‬ ‭poignant‬ ‭image‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭selflessness‬ ‭juxtaposed‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭student's‬ ‭shallowness,‬
‭Wilde‬ ‭reminds‬ ‭us‬ ‭that‬ ‭true‬ ‭love‬ ‭demands‬ ‭sacrifice‬ ‭and‬‭thrives‬‭on‬‭understanding,‬‭not‬‭superficiality.‬‭The‬‭story‬‭lingers,‬‭a‬
‭reminder‬‭that‬‭the‬‭most‬‭precious‬‭things‬‭in‬‭life‬‭often‬‭come‬‭at‬‭a‬‭great‬‭cost,‬‭and‬‭that‬‭true‬‭love‬‭leaves‬‭an‬‭indelible‬‭mark,‬‭even‬
‭if unrecognized.‬

‭ itle‬
T
‭The‬‭Nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Rose"‬‭by‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde‬‭is‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭and‬‭allegorical‬‭tale‬‭that‬‭explores‬‭themes‬‭of‬‭love,‬‭sacrifice,‬
‭and‬‭the‬‭ephemeral‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭beauty.‬‭The‬‭title‬‭itself,‬‭"The‬‭Nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Rose,"‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭gateway‬‭to‬‭the‬‭profound‬
‭layers‬ ‭of‬ ‭meaning‬ ‭embedded‬ ‭within‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative.‬‭In‬‭this‬‭essay,‬‭we‬‭will‬‭delve‬‭into‬‭the‬‭title's‬‭significance,‬‭dissecting‬‭its‬
‭symbolic elements and their implications for the story's overarching themes.‬
‭The‬ ‭nightingale‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬ ‭plays‬ ‭a‬ ‭pivotal‬ ‭role‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭purity,‬ ‭selflessness,‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭sublime‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭love.‬
‭Nightingales‬ ‭have‬ ‭long‬ ‭been‬ ‭associated‬ ‭with‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭and‬ ‭song‬ ‭in‬ ‭literature,‬ ‭and‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭employs‬ ‭this‬ ‭symbolism‬ ‭to‬
‭underscore‬‭the‬‭transformative‬‭power‬‭of‬‭love.‬‭The‬‭nightingale's‬‭willingness‬‭to‬‭sacrifice‬‭itself‬‭for‬‭the‬‭sake‬‭of‬‭true‬‭love‬‭sets‬
‭the stage for the emotional depth that unfolds throughout the narrative.‬
‭The‬ ‭inclusion‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭title‬ ‭introduces‬ ‭another‬ ‭layer‬ ‭of‬ ‭symbolism,‬ ‭representing‬ ‭the‬ ‭object‬ ‭of‬ ‭desire‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬
‭embodiment‬‭of‬‭love.‬‭Roses,‬‭traditionally‬‭seen‬‭as‬‭symbols‬‭of‬‭love‬‭and‬‭passion,‬‭take‬‭on‬‭a‬‭nuanced‬‭role‬‭in‬‭Wilde's‬‭tale.‬‭The‬
‭nightingale's‬‭sacrifice‬‭is‬‭directed‬‭towards‬‭creating‬‭a‬‭red‬‭rose,‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭passionate‬‭and‬‭eternal‬‭love.‬‭The‬‭juxtaposition‬
‭of‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭rose‬‭in‬‭the‬‭title‬‭foreshadows‬‭the‬‭intricate‬‭relationship‬‭between‬‭the‬‭two‬‭and‬‭hints‬‭at‬‭the‬‭sacrifices‬
‭that love demands.‬
‭The‬‭central‬‭theme‬‭of‬‭sacrifice‬‭is‬‭echoed‬‭in‬‭both‬‭the‬‭nightingale's‬‭selfless‬‭act‬‭and‬‭the‬‭transformation‬‭of‬‭its‬‭song‬‭into‬‭a‬‭red‬
‭rose.‬ ‭The‬ ‭juxtaposition‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭sacrifice‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭human‬ ‭characters'‬ ‭lack‬ ‭of‬ ‭understanding‬ ‭of‬ ‭true‬ ‭love‬
‭underscores‬‭the‬‭tragedy‬‭of‬‭unrequited‬‭love.‬‭Wilde‬‭utilizes‬‭the‬‭title‬‭to‬‭frame‬‭the‬‭narrative's‬‭exploration‬‭of‬‭the‬‭consequences‬
‭of‬‭love‬‭and‬‭sacrifice,‬‭inviting‬‭readers‬‭to‬‭reflect‬‭on‬‭the‬‭value‬‭of‬‭genuine‬‭emotions‬‭in‬‭a‬‭world‬‭that‬‭often‬‭fails‬‭to‬‭recognize‬
‭them.‬
‭The‬ ‭title‬ ‭also‬ ‭alludes‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭transient‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭beauty,‬ ‭as‬‭represented‬‭by‬‭the‬‭short-lived‬‭existence‬‭of‬‭the‬‭red‬‭rose.‬‭This‬
‭transience‬‭mirrors‬‭the‬‭fleeting‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭love‬‭and‬‭the‬‭sacrifices‬‭made‬‭in‬‭its‬‭name.‬‭Wilde‬‭prompts‬‭readers‬‭to‬‭contemplate‬
‭the‬ ‭impermanence‬ ‭of‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭ephemeral‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬‭emotions,‬‭questioning‬‭the‬‭societal‬‭norms‬‭that‬‭often‬‭prioritize‬
‭superficial values over profound, enduring connections.‬
‭In‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Rose,"‬ ‭Oscar‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭crafts‬ ‭a‬ ‭title‬ ‭that‬ ‭serves‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭microcosm‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative's‬ ‭profound‬
‭themes.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭the‬ ‭symbolic‬ ‭representation‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose,‬ ‭Wilde‬ ‭invites‬ ‭readers‬ ‭to‬ ‭explore‬ ‭the‬
‭complexities‬‭of‬‭love,‬‭sacrifice,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭transient‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭beauty.‬‭The‬‭title‬‭acts‬‭as‬‭a‬‭gateway‬‭to‬‭the‬‭emotional‬‭depth‬‭and‬
‭allegorical richness of the story, setting the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.‬

‭Symbolism: the nightingale‬

‭ t‬ ‭the‬ ‭heart‬ ‭of‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Rose"‬ ‭lies‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭which‬ ‭serves‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬ ‭catalyst‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬
A
‭unfolding‬ ‭events.‬ ‭Driven‬ ‭by‬ ‭pure,‬ ‭selfless‬ ‭love,‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale‬ ‭offers‬ ‭to‬ ‭sacrifice‬ ‭her‬ ‭life‬ ‭to‬ ‭help‬ ‭the‬ ‭Student‬‭win‬‭the‬
‭affection‬ ‭of‬ ‭his‬ ‭beloved.‬ ‭This‬ ‭act‬ ‭of‬ ‭altruism‬ ‭underscores‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭purity‬ ‭of‬ ‭intention‬ ‭and‬ ‭her‬ ‭willingness‬ ‭to‬
‭endure‬ ‭suffering‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭sake‬‭of‬‭others.‬‭Wilde‬‭portrays‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭as‬‭a‬‭martyr‬‭figure,‬‭whose‬‭sacrifice‬‭embodies‬‭the‬
‭ideal of unconditional love and devotion.‬
‭The‬‭nightingale‬‭in‬‭Wilde's‬‭story‬‭carries‬‭rich‬‭symbolic‬‭significance,‬‭representing‬‭various‬‭themes‬‭and‬‭concepts.‬‭Firstly,‬‭the‬
‭nightingale‬ ‭embodies‬ ‭the‬ ‭transformative‬ ‭power‬ ‭of‬ ‭art‬ ‭and‬ ‭creativity.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭her‬ ‭song,‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale‬ ‭transcends‬‭the‬
‭mundane‬ ‭world‬ ‭and‬ ‭touches‬ ‭the‬ ‭realm‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭sublime,‬ ‭inspiring‬ ‭the‬ ‭Student‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭fervor‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬ ‭melody.‬ ‭Her‬ ‭song‬
‭becomes a metaphor for the beauty and purity of love, which has the power to uplift and transform the human spirit.‬
‭Furthermore,‬ ‭the‬ ‭nightingale‬ ‭symbolizes‬ ‭the‬ ‭fleeting‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬‭ephemeral‬‭quality‬‭of‬‭existence.‬‭Like‬‭the‬
‭nightingale's‬ ‭song,‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭is‬ ‭transient‬ ‭and‬ ‭elusive,‬ ‭fading‬ ‭away‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭passage‬ ‭of‬ ‭time.‬ ‭The‬ ‭nightingale's‬ ‭sacrifice‬
‭highlights‬‭the‬‭tragic‬‭irony‬‭of‬‭human‬‭existence,‬‭where‬‭the‬‭pursuit‬‭of‬‭beauty‬‭often‬‭leads‬‭to‬‭suffering‬‭and‬‭disillusionment.‬‭In‬
‭sacrificing‬‭herself‬‭for‬‭love,‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭the‬‭ephemeral‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭human‬‭desires‬‭and‬‭the‬
‭sacrifices they entail.‬
‭The‬‭nightingale‬‭also‬‭embodies‬‭the‬‭theme‬‭of‬‭idealism‬‭versus‬‭reality‬‭in‬‭Wilde's‬‭narrative.‬‭While‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭believes‬‭in‬
‭the‬‭purity‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Student's‬‭love‬‭and‬‭the‬‭power‬‭of‬‭sacrifice,‬‭her‬‭idealism‬‭is‬‭shattered‬‭by‬‭the‬‭harsh‬‭realities‬‭of‬‭human‬‭nature.‬
‭28‬
‭ he‬ ‭Student's‬ ‭rejection‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬ ‭gift‬ ‭and‬ ‭his‬ ‭callous‬ ‭indifference‬ ‭to‬ ‭her‬ ‭sacrifice‬ ‭reveal‬ ‭the‬ ‭shallowness‬ ‭of‬ ‭his‬ ‭romantic‬
T
‭ideals‬‭and‬‭the‬‭cynicism‬‭of‬‭the‬‭world.‬‭In‬‭this‬‭sense,‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭tragic‬‭figure,‬‭whose‬‭faith‬‭in‬‭love‬‭and‬‭beauty‬
‭is ultimately betrayed by the pragmatism of the human world.‬
‭In‬‭"The‬‭Nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Rose,"‬‭Oscar‬‭Wilde‬‭presents‬‭a‬‭nuanced‬‭exploration‬‭of‬‭love,‬‭sacrifice,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭reality‬
‭through‬‭the‬‭character‬‭of‬‭the‬‭nightingale.‬‭As‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭purity,‬‭beauty,‬‭and‬‭idealism,‬‭the‬‭nightingale‬‭enriches‬‭the‬‭narrative‬
‭with‬‭layers‬‭of‬‭meaning‬‭and‬‭depth.‬‭Her‬‭sacrifice‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭powerful‬‭reminder‬‭of‬‭the‬‭complexities‬‭of‬‭human‬‭existence‬‭and‬
‭the‬‭enduring‬‭power‬‭of‬‭love‬‭in‬‭the‬‭face‬‭of‬‭adversity.‬‭Through‬‭the‬‭lens‬‭of‬‭the‬‭nightingale's‬‭character,‬‭Wilde‬‭invites‬‭readers‬
‭to reflect on the transformative power of sacrifice and the elusive nature of human desires.‬

‭ ymbolism: the red rose‬

S
‭Oscar‬‭Wilde's‬‭"The‬‭Nightingale‬‭and‬‭the‬‭Rose"‬‭transcends‬‭the‬‭realm‬‭of‬‭a‬‭simple‬‭fairy‬‭tale,‬‭offering‬‭a‬‭poignant‬‭commentary‬
‭on‬‭love,‬‭selflessness,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭pursuit‬‭of‬‭beauty.‬ ‭Central‬‭to‬‭this‬‭exploration‬‭is‬‭the‬‭symbolic‬‭red‬‭rose,‬‭a‬‭multifaceted‬‭bloom‬
‭that embodies the complexities of the characters' desires and the ultimate tragedy of the narrative.‬
‭On‬‭the‬‭surface‬‭level,‬‭the‬‭red‬‭rose‬‭represents‬‭romantic‬‭love,‬‭the‬‭very‬‭object‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Student's‬‭shallow‬‭affection.‬‭He‬‭desires‬‭it‬
‭solely‬‭to‬‭impress‬‭the‬‭fickle‬‭girl‬‭with‬‭whom‬‭he‬‭is‬‭infatuated.‬‭The‬‭rose,‬‭in‬‭this‬‭context,‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭superficiality‬
‭and‬‭fleeting‬‭desires.‬ ‭It‬‭holds‬‭no‬‭intrinsic‬‭value‬‭for‬‭the‬‭Student,‬‭but‬‭rather‬‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭mere‬‭token‬‭to‬‭gain‬‭the‬‭favor‬‭of‬‭his‬
‭love interest.‬
‭However,‬‭the‬‭red‬‭rose‬‭takes‬‭on‬‭a‬‭deeper‬‭meaning‬‭through‬‭the‬‭sacrifice‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Nightingale.‬‭The‬‭bird's‬‭unwavering‬‭devotion‬
‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭Student's‬ ‭love‬ ‭compels‬ ‭her‬ ‭to‬ ‭sing‬ ‭a‬ ‭song‬ ‭of‬ ‭such‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭that‬ ‭it‬ ‭creates‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose,‬ ‭literally‬ ‭born‬ ‭from‬ ‭her‬ ‭own‬
‭"heart's-blood."‬ ‭This‬ ‭act‬ ‭transforms‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose‬ ‭into‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭true‬ ‭love‬ ‭and‬ ‭selfless‬ ‭sacrifice.‬ ‭It‬ ‭represents‬ ‭the‬
‭Nightingale's willingness to give her life for something she believes in, a stark contrast to the Student's superficial desires.‬
‭The‬‭color‬‭red‬‭further‬‭amplifies‬‭the‬‭symbolism.‬‭Red‬‭is‬‭traditionally‬‭associated‬‭with‬‭passion,‬‭devotion,‬‭and‬‭even‬‭pain.‬ ‭The‬
‭red‬‭rose,‬‭born‬‭from‬‭the‬‭Nightingale's‬‭suffering,‬‭embodies‬‭all‬‭of‬‭these‬‭aspects.‬‭It‬‭is‬‭a‬‭testament‬‭to‬‭the‬‭intensity‬‭of‬‭her‬‭love‬
‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭pain‬ ‭she‬ ‭endures‬ ‭to‬ ‭fulfill‬ ‭the‬ ‭Student's‬ ‭wish,‬ ‭contrasting‬ ‭it‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭mundane‬ ‭and‬ ‭superficial‬ ‭nature‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬
‭student's desires.‬
‭The‬ ‭rose's‬ ‭fleeting‬ ‭beauty‬ ‭adds‬ ‭another‬ ‭layer‬ ‭of‬ ‭complexity.‬ ‭Despite‬ ‭the‬ ‭Nightingale's‬ ‭sacrifice,‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose‬ ‭ultimately‬
‭withers.‬‭This‬‭impermanence‬‭reflects‬‭the‬‭ephemeral‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Student's‬‭love.‬‭He‬‭fails‬‭to‬‭recognize‬‭the‬‭true‬‭value‬‭of‬‭the‬
‭rose,‬ ‭just‬ ‭as‬ ‭he‬ ‭fails‬ ‭to‬ ‭appreciate‬‭the‬‭Nightingale's‬‭sacrifice.‬‭The‬‭rose's‬‭decay‬‭underscores‬‭the‬‭futility‬‭of‬‭pursuing‬‭love‬
‭based on vanity and superficial desires.‬
‭In‬ ‭conclusion,‬ ‭the‬ ‭red‬ ‭rose‬ ‭in‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Nightingale‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Rose"‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭potent‬ ‭symbol‬‭that‬‭evolves‬‭throughout‬‭the‬‭story.‬‭It‬
‭begins‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭representation‬ ‭of‬ ‭shallow‬ ‭romanticism‬ ‭but‬ ‭transforms‬ ‭into‬ ‭a‬ ‭powerful‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭true‬ ‭love‬ ‭and‬ ‭selfless‬
‭sacrifice‬ ‭through‬ ‭the‬ ‭Nightingale's‬ ‭actions.‬ ‭The‬ ‭color‬ ‭red‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭rose's‬ ‭impermanence‬ ‭further‬ ‭enrich‬ ‭the‬ ‭symbolism,‬
‭highlighting‬ ‭the‬ ‭contrasting‬ ‭values‬ ‭at‬ ‭play‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭narrative.‬ ‭Ultimately,‬ ‭Wilde‬‭utilizes‬‭the‬‭red‬‭rose‬‭to‬‭deliver‬‭a‬‭timeless‬
‭message about the enduring power of love and the dangers of mistaking fleeting desires for true affection.‬

‭THE DOLL’S HOUSE‬

‭Character: Kezia Burnell‬
‭ atherine‬‭Mansfield's‬‭short‬‭story‬‭"The‬‭Doll's‬‭House"‬‭offers‬‭a‬‭nuanced‬‭exploration‬‭of‬‭social‬‭class,‬‭innocence,‬‭and‬‭societal‬
K
‭expectations‬‭through‬‭the‬‭character‬‭of‬‭Kezia‬‭Burnell.‬‭Set‬‭in‬‭early‬‭20th-century‬‭New‬‭Zealand,‬‭the‬‭story‬‭follows‬‭the‬‭Burnell‬
‭sisters'‬‭experiences‬‭after‬‭receiving‬‭a‬‭doll's‬‭house‬‭as‬‭a‬‭gift.‬‭Among‬‭them,‬‭Kezia‬‭stands‬‭out‬‭as‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭innocence‬‭and‬
‭empathy,‬ ‭challenging‬ ‭the‬ ‭rigid‬ ‭social‬ ‭norms‬ ‭of‬ ‭her‬ ‭time.‬ ‭This‬ ‭essay‬ ‭aims‬ ‭to‬ ‭analyze‬ ‭Kezia's‬ ‭role‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭story,‬ ‭her‬
‭interactions with others, and the symbolic significance she carries in Mansfield's exploration of societal norms.‬
‭Kezia‬‭Burnell‬‭is‬‭introduced‬‭as‬‭the‬‭youngest‬‭member‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Burnell‬‭family,‬‭often‬‭described‬‭as‬‭innocent‬‭and‬‭curious.‬‭Her‬
‭innocence‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭crucial‬‭element‬‭in‬‭the‬‭narrative,‬‭acting‬‭as‬‭a‬‭stark‬‭contrast‬‭to‬‭the‬‭rigid‬‭societal‬‭norms‬‭depicted‬‭in‬‭the‬
‭story.‬ ‭Kezia's‬ ‭fascination‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬‭house,‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭privilege‬‭and‬‭social‬‭status,‬‭highlights‬‭her‬‭genuine‬‭curiosity‬
‭and lack of adherence to societal hierarchies.‬
‭As‬‭the‬‭story‬‭progresses,‬‭Kezia's‬‭character‬‭transforms‬‭into‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭rebellion‬‭against‬‭the‬‭established‬‭order.‬‭Unlike‬‭her‬
‭sisters,‬‭Isabel‬‭and‬‭Lottie,‬‭Kezia‬‭does‬‭not‬‭conform‬‭to‬‭the‬‭societal‬‭expectations‬‭associated‬‭with‬‭class‬‭distinctions.‬‭Instead,‬
‭she‬ ‭befriends‬ ‭the‬ ‭Kelveys,‬ ‭a‬ ‭lower-class‬ ‭family,‬ ‭and‬ ‭invites‬ ‭them‬ ‭to‬ ‭view‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house—an‬ ‭action‬ ‭that‬ ‭elicits‬
‭disapproval and disdain from her classmates and the adults in the story.‬

‭29‬
‭ ezia's‬ ‭interactions‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭Kelveys‬ ‭reflect‬ ‭Mansfield's‬ ‭critique‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭class-conscious‬ ‭society‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭time.‬ ‭Kezia's‬
K
‭innocence‬‭and‬‭genuine‬‭kindness‬‭challenge‬‭the‬‭prevailing‬‭norms,‬‭suggesting‬‭that‬‭compassion‬‭and‬‭empathy‬‭should‬‭override‬
‭societal divisions.‬
‭Furthermore,‬‭Mansfield‬‭uses‬‭Kezia‬‭Burnell‬‭as‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭innocence,‬‭rebellion,‬‭and‬‭social‬‭critique.‬‭The‬‭doll's‬‭house‬‭itself‬
‭serves‬‭as‬‭a‬‭metaphor‬‭for‬‭societal‬‭structures,‬‭and‬‭Kezia's‬‭actions‬‭represent‬‭a‬‭call‬‭for‬‭change‬‭and‬‭compassion.‬‭By‬‭portraying‬
‭Kezia‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭character‬ ‭who‬ ‭defies‬ ‭societal‬ ‭norms,‬ ‭Mansfield‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬ ‭innocence‬ ‭and‬ ‭genuine‬ ‭kindness‬ ‭can‬ ‭be‬
‭revolutionary forces capable of dismantling the barriers imposed by class distinctions.‬
‭In‬‭"The‬‭Doll's‬‭House,"‬‭Katherine‬‭Mansfield‬‭masterfully‬‭employs‬‭the‬‭character‬‭of‬‭Kezia‬‭Burnell‬‭to‬‭unravel‬‭the‬‭layers‬‭of‬
‭societal‬‭expectations,‬‭class‬‭divisions,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭purity‬‭of‬‭innocence.‬‭Kezia,‬‭with‬‭her‬‭open‬‭heart‬‭and‬‭unclouded‬‭perspective,‬
‭becomes‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭resistance‬ ‭against‬ ‭the‬ ‭oppressive‬ ‭forces‬ ‭of‬ ‭societal‬ ‭norms.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭her‬ ‭actions,‬ ‭Mansfield‬
‭challenges‬‭readers‬‭to‬‭reflect‬‭on‬‭the‬‭inherent‬‭cruelty‬‭within‬‭societal‬‭structures‬‭and‬‭the‬‭importance‬‭of‬‭preserving‬‭innocence‬
‭in the face of conformity.‬

I‭ n‬ ‭Katherine‬ ‭Mansfield's‬ ‭short‬ ‭story,‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Doll's‬ ‭House,"‬ ‭the‬ ‭character‬ ‭of‬ ‭Kezia‬ ‭Burnell‬ ‭plays‬ ‭a‬ ‭pivotal‬ ‭role‬ ‭as‬ ‭the‬
‭youngest‬‭sister‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Burnell‬‭family.‬‭Kezia's‬‭innocence,‬‭kindness,‬‭and‬‭empathy‬‭distinguish‬‭her‬‭as‬‭a‬‭unique‬‭and‬‭complex‬
‭protagonist‬ ‭within‬‭the‬‭narrative.‬‭This‬‭essay‬‭aims‬‭to‬‭analyze‬‭Kezia's‬‭character‬‭traits,‬‭her‬‭reactions‬‭to‬‭societal‬‭norms,‬‭and‬
‭her internal conflicts, emphasizing her sensitivity to beauty and her relentless pursuit of kindness.‬
‭Kezia‬‭Burnell‬‭embodies‬‭the‬‭innocence‬‭often‬‭associated‬‭with‬‭childhood.‬‭As‬‭the‬‭youngest‬‭Burnell‬‭sister,‬‭Kezia‬‭is‬‭portrayed‬
‭as‬‭a‬‭character‬‭untouched‬‭by‬‭societal‬‭prejudices.‬‭Her‬‭curiosity‬‭is‬‭evident‬‭when‬‭she‬‭questions‬‭the‬‭exclusion‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Kelveys‬
‭from‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house‬ ‭viewing,‬ ‭wondering‬ ‭aloud,‬ ‭"But‬ ‭why‬‭not?"‬‭(page‬‭4,‬‭paragraph‬‭2).‬‭This‬‭innocence‬‭shapes‬‭Kezia's‬
‭character, setting her apart from her more conventional siblings.‬
‭Kezia's‬ ‭kind‬ ‭and‬ ‭empathetic‬‭nature‬‭becomes‬‭evident‬‭through‬‭her‬‭actions‬‭and‬‭words.‬‭Her‬‭joy‬‭in‬‭sharing‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house‬
‭experience‬‭with‬‭others‬‭is‬‭palpable‬‭when‬‭she‬‭takes‬‭the‬‭initiative‬‭to‬‭invite‬‭the‬‭Kelveys,‬‭despite‬‭the‬‭societal‬‭stigma‬‭attached‬
‭to‬ ‭them.‬ ‭Kezia's‬ ‭plea‬ ‭to‬ ‭her‬ ‭mother,‬ ‭"Can't‬ ‭I‬ ‭ask‬ ‭the‬ ‭Kelveys‬ ‭just‬ ‭once?"‬ ‭(page‬ ‭4,‬ ‭paragraph‬ ‭1),‬ ‭showcases‬ ‭her‬
‭compassionate‬‭spirit.‬‭Moreover,‬‭Kezia's‬‭decision‬‭to‬‭invite‬‭the‬‭Kelveys‬‭inside‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house‬‭reflects‬‭her‬‭innate‬‭kindness‬
‭and disregard for societal prejudices.‬
‭Unlike‬ ‭her‬ ‭siblings,‬ ‭Kezia‬ ‭exhibits‬‭independence‬‭and‬‭thoughtfulness.‬‭Her‬‭refusal‬‭to‬‭participate‬‭in‬‭mocking‬‭the‬‭Kelveys‬
‭reveals‬ ‭her‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭form‬ ‭opinions‬ ‭independently.‬ ‭Kezia's‬ ‭preference‬ ‭for‬ ‭solitary‬ ‭play‬ ‭over‬ ‭preparing‬ ‭for‬ ‭guests‬
‭emphasizes‬‭her‬‭self-reliance.‬‭This‬‭independence‬‭is‬‭most‬‭apparent‬‭when‬‭she‬‭decides‬‭to‬‭invite‬‭the‬‭Kelveys‬‭into‬‭the‬‭house‬
‭despite her family's prohibition, defying the rules of class that govern her world.‬
‭Kezia's‬‭internal‬‭conflict‬‭becomes‬‭evident‬‭when‬‭she‬‭hesitates‬‭upon‬‭recognizing‬‭the‬‭Kelveys‬‭passing‬‭by‬‭her‬‭family's‬‭home.‬
‭The‬‭momentary‬‭pause‬‭in‬‭her‬‭actions‬‭underscores‬‭the‬‭societal‬‭pressure‬‭she‬‭faces.‬‭However,‬‭Kezia's‬‭decision‬‭to‬‭invite‬‭the‬
‭Kelveys‬ ‭into‬ ‭the‬ ‭house‬ ‭represents‬ ‭a‬‭pivotal‬‭internal‬‭conflict‬‭resolution,‬‭signifying‬‭her‬‭defiance‬‭of‬‭class-based‬‭rules‬‭and‬
‭her determination to treat everyone with kindness.‬
‭Kezia's‬ ‭unique‬ ‭sensitivity‬‭to‬‭beauty‬‭is‬‭revealed‬‭in‬‭her‬‭admiration‬‭for‬‭the‬‭often-overlooked‬‭lamp‬‭in‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house.‬‭Her‬
‭love‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬‭lamp,‬‭expressed‬‭with‬‭the‬‭words,‬‭"But‬‭what‬‭Kezia‬‭liked‬‭more‬‭than‬‭anything,‬‭what‬‭she‬‭liked‬‭frightfully,‬‭was‬
‭the‬ ‭lamp"‬ ‭(page‬ ‭2,‬ ‭paragraph‬ ‭2),‬ ‭showcases‬‭her‬‭ability‬‭to‬‭find‬‭beauty‬‭in‬‭simple‬‭and‬‭unnoticed‬‭things.‬‭Additionally,‬‭her‬
‭reminder‬‭to‬‭Isabel‬‭not‬‭to‬‭forget‬‭the‬‭lamp‬‭further‬‭emphasizes‬‭Kezia's‬‭appreciation‬‭for‬‭the‬‭subtle‬‭and‬‭overlooked‬‭aspects‬‭of‬
‭life.‬
‭In‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Doll's‬ ‭House,"‬ ‭Kezia‬ ‭Burnell‬ ‭emerges‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭multi-dimensional‬ ‭character,‬ ‭blending‬ ‭innocence,‬ ‭kindness,‬
‭independence,‬‭and‬‭a‬‭profound‬‭sensitivity‬‭to‬‭beauty.‬‭Her‬‭role‬‭as‬‭the‬‭protagonist‬‭in‬‭the‬‭narrative‬‭challenges‬‭societal‬‭norms‬
‭and‬‭highlights‬‭the‬‭transformative‬‭power‬‭of‬‭empathy.‬‭Kezia's‬‭actions,‬‭guided‬‭by‬‭her‬‭internal‬‭moral‬‭compass,‬‭redefine‬‭the‬
‭boundaries‬ ‭set‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭rigid‬ ‭class‬ ‭system‬‭of‬‭her‬‭time,‬‭making‬‭her‬‭a‬‭compelling‬‭and‬‭progressive‬‭character‬‭in‬‭Mansfield's‬
‭exploration of societal constraints and individual resilience.‬

‭ haracter: Else Kelvey‬

C
‭A Silent Observer: Analyzing Else Kelvey in Katherine Mansfield's "The Doll's House"‬
‭In‬ ‭Katherine‬ ‭Mansfield's‬ ‭poignant‬ ‭short‬ ‭story‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Doll's‬ ‭House,"‬ ‭Else‬ ‭Kelvey‬ ‭emerges‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭complex‬ ‭and‬ ‭enigmatic‬
‭figure‬‭despite‬‭her‬‭limited‬‭dialogue.‬‭Though‬‭a‬‭main‬‭character‬‭and‬‭arguably‬‭the‬‭story's‬‭protagonist,‬‭Else's‬‭quiet‬‭demeanor‬
‭and introspective nature create a portrait of a child shaped by poverty and social exclusion.‬
‭Mansfield‬‭paints‬‭a‬‭vivid‬‭picture‬‭of‬‭Else‬‭through‬‭her‬‭physical‬‭appearance‬‭and‬‭behavior.‬‭Described‬‭as‬‭a‬‭"tiny‬‭wishbone‬‭of‬‭a‬
‭child"‬ ‭with‬ ‭"enormous‬ ‭solemn‬‭eyes,"‬‭Else‬‭carries‬‭an‬‭air‬‭of‬‭mysteriousness.‬‭Her‬‭attire,‬‭a‬‭"long‬‭white‬‭dress,‬‭rather‬‭like‬‭a‬
‭30‬
n‭ ightgown"‬‭paired‬‭with‬‭"little‬‭boy's‬‭boots,"‬‭further‬‭accentuates‬‭her‬‭otherness‬‭from‬‭the‬‭other‬‭children.‬‭This‬‭physical‬‭oddity‬
‭mirrors the social ostracization Else and her sister Lil face due to their family's background.‬
‭Else's‬‭primary‬‭characteristic‬‭is‬‭her‬‭silence.‬‭We‬‭learn‬‭that‬‭"nobody‬‭had‬‭ever‬‭seen‬‭her‬‭smile"‬‭and‬‭she‬‭"scarcely‬‭ever‬‭spoke."‬
‭This‬‭lack‬‭of‬‭verbal‬‭communication‬‭is‬‭contrasted‬‭with‬‭her‬‭keen‬‭observation‬‭skills.‬‭While‬‭Lil‬‭reacts‬‭outwardly‬‭to‬‭situations,‬
‭Else‬‭quietly‬‭absorbs‬‭details.‬‭When‬‭Isabel‬‭describes‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house,‬‭Else‬‭listens‬‭intently,‬‭even‬‭noticing‬‭Kezia's‬‭particular‬
‭fondness for the lamp, a detail others miss.‬
‭Despite‬ ‭the‬ ‭cruelty‬ ‭inflicted‬ ‭upon‬ ‭them‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭other‬‭children,‬‭Else‬‭maintains‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭innocence.‬‭When‬‭mocked,‬‭she‬
‭"only‬ ‭looked,"‬ ‭devoid‬ ‭of‬ ‭overt‬ ‭anger‬ ‭or‬‭resentment.‬‭This‬‭emotional‬‭detachment‬‭suggests‬‭a‬‭deeper‬‭understanding‬‭of‬‭the‬
‭social hierarchy and its implications.‬
‭Else‬ ‭finds‬ ‭solace‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭sense‬ ‭of‬ ‭security‬ ‭in‬ ‭her‬ ‭unwavering‬ ‭dependence‬ ‭on‬ ‭her‬ ‭sister‬ ‭Lil.‬ ‭"Where‬ ‭Lil‬‭went,‬‭our‬‭Else‬
‭followed,"‬ ‭emphasizing‬ ‭a‬ ‭reliance‬ ‭on‬ ‭physical‬ ‭closeness‬ ‭for‬ ‭communication.‬ ‭Their‬ ‭silent‬ ‭understanding‬ ‭highlights‬ ‭the‬
‭power of their bond in the face of adversity.‬
‭However,‬ ‭Else‬ ‭isn't‬ ‭entirely‬ ‭consumed‬‭by‬‭hardship.‬‭A‬‭glimmer‬‭of‬‭optimism‬‭shines‬‭through‬‭when‬‭she‬‭forgets‬‭the‬‭"cross‬
‭lady"‬‭after‬‭admiring‬‭the‬‭tranquil‬‭landscape.‬‭This‬‭quick‬‭shift‬‭in‬‭focus‬‭indicates‬‭an‬‭ability‬‭to‬‭find‬‭beauty‬‭in‬‭simple‬‭things,‬‭a‬
‭quality‬ ‭absent‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭materialistic‬ ‭world‬ ‭surrounding‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house.‬ ‭Her‬ ‭rare‬ ‭smile‬ ‭upon‬ ‭seeing‬ ‭the‬ ‭lamp‬ ‭further‬
‭underscores her capacity for joy.‬
‭In‬‭conclusion,‬‭Else‬‭Kelvey,‬‭though‬‭a‬‭seemingly‬‭static‬‭character,‬‭embodies‬‭the‬‭profound‬‭impact‬‭of‬‭social‬‭class‬‭on‬‭a‬‭child's‬
‭development.‬ ‭Her‬ ‭quiet‬‭resilience‬‭and‬‭observant‬‭nature‬‭stand‬‭in‬‭stark‬‭contrast‬‭to‬‭the‬‭cruelty‬‭around‬‭her.‬‭Through‬‭Else,‬
‭Mansfield‬ ‭compels‬ ‭us‬ ‭to‬ ‭question‬‭societal‬‭norms‬‭and‬‭celebrate‬‭the‬‭strength‬‭found‬‭in‬‭silent‬‭observation‬‭and‬‭unwavering‬
‭bonds.‬

‭ ymbolism‬
S
‭Katherine‬ ‭Mansfield's‬ ‭short‬ ‭story,‬ ‭"The‬ ‭Doll's‬ ‭House,"‬ ‭skillfully‬ ‭weaves‬ ‭a‬ ‭tapestry‬ ‭of‬ ‭symbols‬ ‭that‬ ‭delve‬ ‭into‬ ‭the‬
‭intricacies‬‭of‬‭social‬‭class‬‭distinctions.‬‭Through‬‭the‬‭narrative,‬‭Mansfield‬‭employs‬‭various‬‭symbols,‬‭such‬‭as‬‭the‬‭lamp,‬‭the‬
‭white‬‭gates,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house‬‭itself,‬‭to‬‭illuminate‬‭the‬‭underlying‬‭themes‬‭of‬‭hope,‬‭division,‬‭and‬‭societal‬‭hierarchy.‬‭This‬
‭essay‬‭aims‬‭to‬‭analyze‬‭these‬‭symbols‬‭and‬‭their‬‭significance‬‭in‬‭unraveling‬‭the‬‭complexities‬‭of‬‭class‬‭relationships‬‭within‬‭the‬
‭story.‬
‭The‬ ‭miniature‬ ‭lamp‬ ‭within‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house‬ ‭holds‬ ‭a‬ ‭significance‬ ‭far‬ ‭exceeding‬ ‭its‬ ‭size.‬ ‭It‬ ‭embodies‬ ‭hope,‬ ‭a‬ ‭concept‬
‭beautifully‬ ‭captured‬ ‭by‬ ‭its‬ ‭ability‬ ‭to‬ ‭illuminate‬ ‭the‬ ‭miniature‬ ‭world.‬ ‭Unlike‬ ‭other‬‭objects‬‭that‬‭might‬‭represent‬‭material‬
‭wealth,‬ ‭the‬ ‭lamp‬ ‭transcends‬ ‭social‬ ‭status‬ ‭by‬ ‭offering‬ ‭metaphorical‬ ‭"guidance"‬ ‭without‬ ‭discrimination.‬ ‭Notably,‬ ‭only‬
‭Kezia,‬ ‭the‬ ‭youngest‬ ‭Burnell‬ ‭sister,‬ ‭and‬ ‭Else‬ ‭Kelvey,‬ ‭a‬ ‭child‬ ‭from‬ ‭a‬ ‭less‬ ‭fortunate‬ ‭background,‬ ‭appreciate‬ ‭the‬ ‭lamp's‬
‭importance.‬‭This‬‭shared‬‭recognition‬‭hints‬‭at‬‭a‬‭potential‬‭for‬‭understanding‬‭and‬‭connection‬‭that‬‭transcends‬‭social‬‭barriers.‬
‭Kezia's‬ ‭fascination‬ ‭with‬ ‭the‬ ‭lamp‬ ‭positions‬ ‭her‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭"enlightenment,"‬ ‭a‬‭glimmer‬‭of‬‭hope‬‭for‬‭a‬‭future‬‭where‬
‭social‬‭divisions‬‭might‬‭dissolve.‬ ‭Furthermore,‬‭Else's‬‭immense‬‭satisfaction‬‭at‬‭seeing‬‭"the‬‭little‬‭lamp"‬‭suggests‬‭that‬‭it‬‭brings‬
‭a‬ ‭spark‬ ‭of‬ ‭hope‬ ‭into‬ ‭her‬ ‭life,‬ ‭potentially‬‭igniting‬‭dreams‬‭of‬‭a‬‭brighter‬‭future.‬‭This‬‭appreciation‬‭for‬‭the‬‭lamp,‬‭shared‬‭by‬
‭both‬‭Kezia‬‭and‬‭Else,‬‭tears‬‭down‬‭the‬‭imaginary‬‭walls‬‭separating‬‭them‬‭and‬‭establishes‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬‭equality‬‭built‬‭on‬‭shared‬
‭emotional resonance.‬
‭In‬‭stark‬‭contrast‬‭to‬‭the‬‭unifying‬‭potential‬‭of‬‭the‬‭lamp‬‭stands‬‭the‬‭imposing‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭the‬‭white‬‭gates.‬‭These‬‭gates‬‭separate‬
‭the‬‭Burnell's‬‭private‬‭courtyard,‬‭a‬‭symbol‬‭of‬‭their‬‭privileged‬‭world,‬‭from‬‭the‬‭street,‬‭representing‬‭the‬‭space‬‭occupied‬‭by‬‭the‬
‭“outsiders”.‬ ‭The‬ ‭gates‬ ‭function‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭physical‬ ‭manifestation‬‭of‬‭social‬‭class,‬‭restricting‬‭access‬‭and‬‭reinforcing‬‭a‬‭sense‬‭of‬
‭superiority.‬ ‭The‬ ‭Burnells'‬ ‭selective‬ ‭admittance‬ ‭of‬ ‭visitors‬ ‭like‬ ‭Lena‬ ‭Logan‬‭and‬‭Emmie‬‭Cole‬‭highlights‬‭this‬‭point.‬‭The‬
‭Kelveys,‬‭however,‬‭are‬‭denied‬‭entry,‬‭relegated‬‭to‬‭the‬‭"outside"‬‭not‬‭just‬‭physically‬‭but‬‭also‬‭socially.‬‭Kezia's‬‭act‬‭of‬‭swinging‬
‭on‬‭the‬‭gate‬‭at‬‭the‬‭end‬‭of‬‭the‬‭story‬‭signifies‬‭a‬‭potential‬‭transgression‬‭of‬‭these‬‭boundaries.‬‭Torn‬‭between‬‭her‬‭family's‬‭rigid‬
‭social‬ ‭views‬ ‭and‬ ‭her‬ ‭own‬ ‭desire‬ ‭for‬ ‭connection,‬ ‭Kezia‬ ‭attempts‬ ‭to‬ ‭welcome‬ ‭the‬ ‭Kelveys‬ ‭in‬ ‭through‬ ‭a‬ ‭simple‬ ‭act‬ ‭of‬
‭kindness.‬ ‭Her‬‭playful‬‭act‬‭of‬‭swinging‬‭the‬‭gate‬‭outwards‬‭represents‬‭a‬‭challenge‬‭to‬‭the‬‭established‬‭social‬‭order.‬‭Yet,‬‭Aunt‬
‭Beryl's‬ ‭swift‬ ‭intervention‬ ‭in‬ ‭shooing‬ ‭away‬ ‭the‬ ‭Kelveys‬ ‭reinforces‬ ‭the‬ ‭significance‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭gates‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭social‬
‭control.‬
‭Finally,‬‭the‬‭doll's‬‭house‬‭itself‬‭embodies‬‭the‬‭world‬‭of‬‭the‬‭upper‬‭class.‬ ‭Its‬‭very‬‭existence‬‭sets‬‭the‬‭Burnells‬‭apart‬‭from‬‭the‬
‭rest‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭community.‬ ‭The‬ ‭overwhelming‬ ‭smell‬ ‭emanating‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house‬‭upon‬‭arrival‬‭can‬‭be‬‭interpreted‬‭as‬‭a‬
‭symbol‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭excessive‬ ‭wealth‬ ‭and‬ ‭privilege‬ ‭enjoyed‬ ‭by‬‭the‬‭Burnells,‬‭a‬‭privilege‬‭that‬‭excludes‬‭others.‬‭This‬‭reading‬‭is‬

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f‭ urther‬‭supported‬‭by‬‭the‬‭title‬‭itself,‬‭"The‬‭Doll's‬‭House,"‬‭which‬‭becomes‬‭a‬‭shorthand‬‭for‬‭the‬‭world‬‭of‬‭exclusivity‬‭enjoyed‬
‭by the wealthy.‬
‭In‬‭conclusion,‬‭Mansfield‬‭masterfully‬‭employs‬‭symbolism‬‭to‬‭dissect‬‭the‬‭stratified‬‭social‬‭order‬‭in‬‭"The‬‭Doll's‬‭House."‬ ‭The‬
‭lamp‬ ‭offers‬ ‭a‬ ‭glimmer‬ ‭of‬ ‭hope‬‭for‬‭dismantling‬‭these‬‭barriers,‬‭while‬‭the‬‭white‬‭gates‬‭serve‬‭as‬‭a‬‭constant‬‭reminder‬‭of‬‭the‬
‭existing‬ ‭divisions.‬ ‭The‬ ‭doll's‬ ‭house,‬ ‭with‬ ‭its‬ ‭ostentatious‬ ‭opulence,‬ ‭reinforces‬ ‭the‬ ‭sense‬ ‭of‬ ‭privilege‬ ‭enjoyed‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬
‭Burnells.‬ ‭Through‬ ‭these‬ ‭symbols,‬ ‭Mansfield‬ ‭compels‬ ‭the‬ ‭reader‬ ‭to‬ ‭question‬‭the‬‭arbitrary‬‭nature‬‭of‬‭social‬‭class‬‭and‬‭the‬
‭possibility of forging connections that transcend them.‬

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