The Happy Prince

Story

A fairy tale about a young Prince who lives and dies in a Palace where sadness is not allowed to enter. When he dies his statue is set on a tall column. From this height, he can see all the misery in the city. He weeps and wants to help his people. One night a Swallow nests at his feet and the prince asks it to stay and to help the him help the poor but when the Swallow dies of cold, the heart of the happy prince breaks.

Why we chose it

Whilst depicting the poverty of Victorian England it contains all the elements of a classic fairy tale.

Where it came from

Wilde’s parents collected Irish folklore and that, along with supporting a young family may have influenced Wilde’s decision to write stories to appeal to a wider audience. It has three major themes, 1) that outward beauty counts for little; 2) that the redemptive power of love and of sacrifice are two saving graces and, 3) it illustrates the huge gap between rich and poor. It also covers the exploitation of power, hypocrisy and, spiritual growth through sacrifice.

However, there is an element of martyrdom as the Swallow dies because he allows the prince to put his needs above that of Swallow who should be warm and nesting in Egypt.

Where it went next

It has been adapted for radio (1936, 1944), for the stage (1941, Orson Wells) and as an audio recording with Bing Crosby as the prince (1946). It formed the basis of a rock opera performed by a New Zealand group (1969, The Le De Das) and produced as an animated film (1974). In 2012 it was adapted for narrator, chorus and orchestra and premiered in Ireland. Wilde’s story has also inspired songs, musicals and operettas (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019). A film called The Happy Prince was produced as a biographical drama based on Wilde’s life (2018).

Associated stories

The Happy Prince is the first in a collection of five short stories for children; The Selfish Giant, The Nightingale and the Rose, The Devoted Friend, The Remarkable Rocket. Wilde wrote other children’s stories including The Fisherman and his Son, The Young King, The Birth of the Infanta and The Star-Child.