Happy Prince by Oscar Wild: Word Meanings Para Wise: In this write up we’re giving important word meanings from the story “The Happy Prince”. You can get more study materials by clicking here.
Paragraph Wise Word meanings
HIGH above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword hilt. One night there flew over the city a little swallow. His friends had gone away to Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed behind; then he decided to go to Egypt too. All day long he flew, and at night time he arrived at the city. “Where shall I put up?” he said. “I hope the town has made preparations.” Then he saw the statue on the tall column. “I will put up there,” he cried. “It is a fine position with plenty of fresh air.” So he alighted just between the feet of the Happy Prince. “I have a golden bed-room,” he said softly to himself as he looked round, and he prepared to go to sleep; but just as he was putting his head under his wing a large drop of water fell on him. “What a curious thing!” he cried. “There is not a single cloud in the sky, the stars are quite clear and bright, and yet it is raining.” Then another drop fell.
Word Meanings:
- Gilded: Covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint; wealthy and privileged but often lacking substance or depth.
- Sapphires: Precious gemstones that are typically blue, a variety of the mineral corundum.
- Ruby: A precious red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, often used in jewelry.
- Sword Hilt: The handle or grip of a sword, designed for holding, often decorated and made for comfortable use.
- Swallow: A small migratory bird with a forked tail and long pointed wings.
- Egypt: A country located in northeastern Africa known for its ancient civilization and historical significance.
- Alighted: To descend from the air and settle; to land or come to rest after flying.
- Preparations: The action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration.
- Curious: Eager to know or learn something; strange, unusual, or unexpected in a way that arouses interest or attention.
“What is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off ?” he said. “I must look for a good chimney pot,” and he determined to fly away. But before he had opened his wings, a third drop fell, and he looked up, and saw — Ah! What did he see? The eyes of the Happy Prince were filled with tears, and tears were running down his golden cheeks. His face was so beautiful in the moonlight that the little swallow was filled with pity. “Who are you?” he said. “I am the Happy Prince.” “Why are you weeping then?” asked the swallow. “You have quite drenched me.”
Word Meanings:
- Chimney Pot: A pot-shaped device placed on top of a chimney to improve the draft and ventilation of a fireplace.
- Determined: Having a firm decision and being committed to a particular course of action; showing determination.
- Moonlight: The light that comes from the moon, typically softer and dimmer than sunlight.
Word Meanings:
“When I was alive and had a human heart,” answered the statue, “I did not know what tears were, for I lived in the Palace, where sorrow is not allowed to enter. My courtiers called me the Happy Prince, and happy indeed I was. So I lived, and so I died. And now that I am dead they have set me up here so high that I can see the ugliness and all the misery of my city, and though my heart is made of lead yet I cannot choose but weep.” ‘What! Is he not solid gold?’ said the swallow to himself. He was too polite to make any personal remarks. “Far away,” continued the statue in a low musical voice, “far away in a little street there is a poor house. One of the windows is open, and through it I can see a woman seated at a table. Her face is thin and worn, and she has coarse, red hands, all pricked by the needle, for she is a seamstress. She is embroidering flowers on a satin gown for the loveliest of the Queen’s maids of honour, to wear at the next Court ball. In a bed in the corner of the room her little boy is lying ill. He has a fever, and is asking his mother to give him oranges. His mother has nothing to give him but river water, so he is crying. Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow, will you not bring her the ruby out of my sword hilt? My feet are fastened to this pedestal and I cannot move.”
Word Meanings:
- Alive: Having life; living; not dead or inanimate.
- Human Heart: Referring to the emotional and compassionate nature that humans possess.
- Sorrow: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune; sadness or unhappiness.
- Courtiers: Attendants in a royal court; people who are in attendance at the court of a king or queen.
- Lead: A heavy, malleable, grey metal element, often used to represent heaviness, as in having a heart made of lead.
- Ugliness: The quality or state of being unpleasant in appearance; lack of beauty or attractiveness.
- Misery: A state of great unhappiness and emotional distress; suffering or discomfort.
- Embroidering: Decorating fabric with needlework; sewing decorative patterns or designs on cloth.
- Satin: A smooth, glossy fabric, typically of silk, characterized by a warp-faced weaving technique in which the warp threads are floated over the weft threads.
- Maid of Honour: A young unmarried woman who attends a queen or princess, often at formal or ceremonial events.
- Fever: An abnormal high body temperature, usually accompanied by shivering, headache, and in severe instances, delirium.
- Pedestal: The base or support on which a statue, obelisk, or column is mounted.
- Move: To change position physically; to go from one place to another.
“I am waited for in Egypt,” said the swallow. “My friends are flying up and down the Nile, and talking to the large lotus flowers. Soon they will go to sleep.” The Prince asked the swallow to stay with him for one night and be his messenger. “The boy is so thirsty, and the mother so sad,” he said. “I don’t think I like boys,” answered the swallow. “I want to go to Egypt.” But the Happy Prince looked so sad that the little swallow was sorry. “It is very cold here,” he said. But he agreed to stay with him for one night and be his messenger. “Thank you, little Swallow,” said the Prince.
Word Meanings:
- Nile: The longest river in the world, flowing through northeastern Africa, especially Egypt and Sudan.
- Lotus Flowers: Aquatic plants with large, showy flowers, often symbolizing purity, enlightenment, or rebirth in various cultures.
- Asleep: In a state of sleep; not awake.
- Messenger: A person or thing that carries a message or performs a function of communication between parties.
- Sad: Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy; experiencing or exhibiting grief or unhappiness.
- Cold: Having a low temperature; lacking in warmth, heat, or feeling.
- Sorry: Feeling regret, sympathy, or pity; expressing apology or regret.
The swallow picked out the great ruby from the Prince’s sword, and flew away with it in his beak over the roofs of the town. He passed by the cathedral tower, where the white marble angels were sculptured. He passed by the palace and heard the sound of dancing. A beautiful girl came out on the balcony with her lover. “I hope my dress will be ready in time for the State ball,” she said. “I have ordered flowers to be embroidered on it, but the seamstresses are so lazy.”
Word Meanings:
- Picked Out: Removed or took something out from a particular place or object, often with care or precision.
- Ruby: A precious red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, often used in jewelry.
- Prince’s Sword: Referring to the sword belonging to the Happy Prince, a character in the story.
- Flew Away: Moved quickly through the air using wings, ascending or moving to a different location.
- Beak: The hard, pointed mouthpart of a bird, used for feeding, grasping objects, and other activities.
- Cathedral Tower: The tall, prominent structure of a cathedral, often used for visual orientation in towns and cities.
- White Marble: A type of high-quality, pure marble that is white or very light in color, commonly used for sculptures and architectural elements.
- Angels: In various religious traditions, spiritual beings often depicted as messengers of God and typically represented with wings.
- Sculptured: Shaped or carved into a specific form, especially through artistic or creative means.
- Dress: A one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs.
- State Ball: A formal social event or dance organized by the state or royalty, often attended by prominent individuals and featuring elaborate decorations and attire.
- Embroidered: Decorated with ornamental needlework; adorned with stitched patterns or designs using thread or yarn.
- Seamstresses: Women who sew, especially professionally or as a trade; individuals skilled in making, altering, or repairing garments.
He passed over the river, and saw the lanterns hanging on the masts of the ships. At last he came to the poor woman’s house and looked in. The boy was tossing feverishly on his bed, and the mother had fallen asleep, she was so tired. In he hopped, and laid the great ruby on the table beside the woman’s thimble. Then he flew gently round the bed, fanning the boy’s forehead with his wings. “How cool I feel!” said the boy, “I must be getting better;” and he sank into a delicious slumber. Then the swallow flew back to the Happy Prince, and told him what he had done. “It is curious,” he remarked, “but I feel quite warm now, although it is so cold.” “That is because you have done a good action,” said the Prince. And the little swallow began to think, and then fell asleep. Thinking always made him sleepy.
Word Meanings:
- Lanterns: Portable light sources enclosed in a protective case with transparent sides, often used for illumination outdoors.
- Masts: Tall vertical poles on a ship or boat that support sails and rigging.
- Poor Woman’s House: The residence of the impoverished woman mentioned in the story.
- Tossing: Moving restlessly or uneasily, especially from side to side.
- Feverishly: In a manner indicating the presence of fever, such as restlessness, high body temperature, and general discomfort.
- Asleep: In a state of sleep; not awake.
- Hopped: Moved or jumped quickly and lightly, often referring to the movement of small animals like birds or rabbits.
- Thimble: A small metal or plastic cap used to protect the finger while sewing.
- Table: A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for various activities.
- Fanning: Moving air gently, typically using a fan or wings, to create a cooling effect.
- Forehead: The part of the face above the eyes and below the hairline.
- Delicious: Highly pleasing to the senses, especially to taste or smell; very enjoyable.
- Slumber: Sleep, especially a light or fitful sleep.
When day broke he flew down to the river and had a bath. “Tonight I go to Egypt,” said the swallow, and he was in high spirits at the prospect. He visited all the monuments and sat a long time on top of the church steeple. When the moon rose he flew back to the Happy Prince. “Have you any commissions for Egypt?” he cried. “I am just starting.” “Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “will you stay with me one night longer?” “I am waited for in Egypt,” answered the swallow.
Word Meanings:
- Day Broke: The beginning of daylight; the time when the sun rises, marking the start of a new day.
- Flew Down: Descended or moved downward through the air, often used to describe the movement of birds.
- Egypt: A country located in northeastern Africa, known for its ancient civilization, historical monuments, and the Nile River.
- High Spirits: Being in a cheerful or lively mood; feeling enthusiastic and energetic.
- Prospect: The possibility or likelihood of a future event or situation; something expected or anticipated.
- Monuments: Large, often historical structures or buildings that have cultural, historical, or architectural significance.
- Church Steeple: The tall, pointed structure on top of a church, often used as a landmark in towns and cities.
- Moon Rose: The time when the moon becomes visible above the horizon after sunset.
- Commissions: Tasks, assignments, or requests given to someone; official instructions or duties.
- Stay: Remain in a specific place or position; not leave or move away.
- Waited For: Expected or anticipated; someone or something that is being looked forward to.
“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “far away across the city I see a young man in a garret. He is leaning over a desk covered with papers, and in the glass by his side there is a bunch of withered violets. His hair is brown and crisp, and his lips are red as a pomegranate, and he has large and dreamy eyes. He is trying to finish a play for the Director of the Theatre, but he is too cold to write any more. There is no fire in the grate, and hunger has made him faint.” “I will wait with you one night longer,” said the swallow, who really had a good heart. He asked if he should take another ruby to the young playwright.
Word Meanings:
- Garret: A small attic room, especially a dismal and cramped one used for accommodation, storage, or as an artist’s studio.
- Leaning Over: Bending forward, often with the upper body inclined in a particular direction.
- Glass: A transparent substance often used for windows or containers.
- Bunch: A group of things of the same kind that are held or fastened together.
- Withered: Shriveled, dried, or faded, often due to lack of water or nutrients.
- Violets: Small, fragrant flowers with purple or white petals.
- Crisp: Neat, orderly, and well-groomed; often used to describe hair.
- Red as a Pomegranate: Referring to the color of lips, indicating a deep red or reddish hue.
- Dreamy: Appearing as if lost in thought or imagination; having a contemplative or distant expression.
- Play: A literary composition written for performance on the stage, involving a plot, characters, dialogue, and often music and dance.
- Director of the Theatre: The person responsible for overseeing the production and artistic aspects of a theatrical performance.
- Grate: A framework of metal bars used for holding fuel, such as coal or wood, in a fireplace.
- Hunger: The feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, often leading to a strong desire to eat.
- Faint: To lose consciousness temporarily, often due to a lack of oxygen to the brain.
“Alas! I have no ruby now,” said the Prince. “My eyes are all that I have left. They are made of rare sapphires, which were brought out of India a thousand years ago.” He ordered the swallow to pluck out one of them and take it to the playwright. “He will sell it to the jeweller, and buy firewood, and finish his play,” he said. “Dear Prince,” said the swallow, “I cannot do that,” and he began to weep. “Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “do as I command you.” So the swallow plucked out the Prince’s eye, and flew away to the young man’s garret. It was easy enough to get in, as there was a hole in the roof. Through this he darted, and came into the room. The young man had his head buried in his hands, so he did not hear the flutter of the bird’s wings, and when he looked up he found the beautiful sapphire lying on the withered violets.
Word Meanings:
- Alas: An exclamation of grief, pity, or concern; expressing sorrow or regret.
- Ruby: A precious red gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, often used in jewellery.
- Rare Sapphires: Uncommon blue gemstones, a variety of the mineral corundum, often used in jewellery.
- India: A country in South Asia known for its rich cultural heritage, history, and diverse landscapes.
- Pluck Out: Remove something by pulling or tearing it out, often with force.
- Playwright: A person who writes plays, especially as a profession.
- Firewood: Wood used for fuel, typically burned in a fireplace or stove to provide heat.
- Finish: Complete or bring to an end; reach the final stage of.
- Command: An authoritative order or instruction; an act of controlling, directing, or ordering someone to do something.
- Darted: Moved suddenly and quickly in a particular direction.
- Flutter: Move or fall with a light irregular or trembling motion.
- Beautiful: Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically; having qualities that delight or appeal to the senses.
“I am beginning to be appreciated,” he cried. “This is from some great admirer. Now I can finish my play,” and he looked quite happy. The next day the swallow flew down to the harbour. He sat on the mast of a large vessel and watched the sailors working. “I am going to Egypt,” cried the swallow, but nobody minded, and when the moon rose he flew back to the Happy Prince. “I have come to bid you goodbye,” he cried. “Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “will you not stay with me one night longer?” “It is winter,” answered the swallow, “and the snow will soon be here. In Egypt the sun is warm on the green palm trees, and the crocodiles lie in the mud and look lazily about them.”
Word Meanings:
- Appreciated: Valued or recognized for one’s qualities or efforts; to be understood and respected.
- Admirer: Someone who regards someone or something with warm approval, esteem, or respect; a person who admires.
- Finish: Complete or bring to an end; reach the final stage of.
- Harbour: A place on the coast where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter from the storm, load and unload cargo, or embark and disembark passengers.
- Mast: A tall vertical spar, often part of a ship’s rigging, that supports sails and rigging.
- Sailors: People who work on ships or boats, especially those who are responsible for operating and maintaining the vessel.
- Winter: The season between autumn and spring, characterized by cold temperatures, usually with freezing weather and often snowfall.
- Snow: Frozen precipitation in the form of white flakes, often covering the ground during winter.
- Palm Trees: Tall, tropical trees with a straight, unbranched trunk and large, feather-like leaves, often found in warm regions.
“In the square below,” said the Happy Prince, “there stands a little matchgirl. She has let her matches fall in the gutter, and they are all spoiled. Her father will beat her if she does not bring home some money, and she is crying. She has no shoes or stockings, and her little head is bare. Pluck out my other eye, and give it to her, and her father will not beat her.” “I will stay with you one night longer,” said the swallow, “but I cannot pluck out your eye. You would be quite blind then.” “Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “do as I command you.” So he plucked out the Prince’s other eye, and darted down with it. He swooped past the matchgirl, and slipped the jewel into the palm of her hand. “What a lovely bit of glass!” cried the little girl; and she ran home, laughing.
Word Meanings:
- Square: An open area in a town or city, typically surrounded by buildings or streets.
- Matchgirl: A girl who sells matches, usually on the streets, as a means of livelihood.
- Gutter: A shallow channel or groove, especially one in the ground, used to carry away water or waste material.
- Spoiled: Rendered unusable or damaged; no longer in good condition.
- Crying: Shedding tears, often as an expression of sadness, pain, or distress.
- Stockings: Close-fitting, elastic garments worn on the feet and legs, usually made of nylon, silk, or cotton.
- Bare: Not covered or obscured; without any extra or unnecessary features.
- Pluck Out: Remove something by pulling or tearing it out, often with force.
- Command: An authoritative order or instruction; an act of controlling, directing, or ordering someone to do something.
- Darted Down: Moved suddenly and quickly downward in a particular direction.
- Swooped Past: Flew or moved down quickly and in a curved path, often used to describe the movement of birds.
- Jewel: A precious stone, often used in jewellery, for its beauty and value.
- Palm: The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers, often used to hold or grasp objects.
Then the swallow came back to the Prince. “You are blind now,” he said, “so I will stay with you always.” “No, little Swallow,” said the poor Prince, “you must go away to Egypt.” “No, I will stay with you always,” said the swallow, and he slept at the Prince’s feet. All the next day he sat on the Prince’s shoulder, and told him stories of what he had seen in strange lands. “Dear little Swallow,” said the Prince, “you tell me of marvellous things, but more marvellous than anything is the suffering of men and women. There is no Mystery so great as Misery. Fly over my city, little Swallow, and tell me what you see there.”
Word Meanings:
- Stay: Remain in a specific place or position; not leave or move away.
- Always: At all times; on every occasion; forever.
- Egypt: A country located in northeastern Africa, known for its ancient civilization, historical monuments, and the Nile River.
- Slept: Past tense of the verb “sleep,” which means to rest in a state of reduced consciousness and bodily activity, typically during the night.
- Shoulder: The part of the body between the neck and upper arm, where a sleeve of a garment typically rests.
- Stories: Narratives or tales, often of real or imaginary events, that are passed down from generation to generation or used for entertainment.
- Strange Lands: Unfamiliar or foreign places; regions or countries unknown to the speaker.
- Dear: Expressing affectionate or warm feelings; loved or cherished.
- Marvellous: Extraordinary; inspiring wonder or admiration.
- Suffering: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship; experiencing physical or emotional pain.
- Mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain; a puzzling or enigmatic phenomenon.
- Misery: Extreme suffering or unhappiness; a state of great physical or emotional discomfort.
So the swallow flew over the great city, and saw the rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars were sitting at the gates. He flew into dark lanes, and saw the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets. Under the archway of a bridge two little boys were lying in each other’s arms to try and keep themselves warm. “How hungry we are!” they said. “You must not lie here,” shouted the watchman, and they wandered out into the rain. Then he flew back and told the Prince what he had seen. “I am covered with fine gold,” said the Prince. “You must take it off, leaf by leaf, and give it to the poor; the living always think that gold can make them happy.”
Word Meanings:
- Swallow: A small migratory bird with a forked tail and long pointed wings.
- Great City: Referring to a large, populous urban area with significant buildings, infrastructure, and a dense population.
- Rich: Having a great deal of wealth, possessions, or resources; affluent.
- Making Merry: Celebrating or enjoying oneself in a lively and festive manner.
- Beautiful Houses: Attractive and well-designed residences, often indicating wealth and prosperity.
- Sitting at the Gates: Begging for alms or assistance at the entrances or gates of buildings or public places.
- Dark Lanes: Narrow, poorly lit pathways or alleys, often found in urban areas.
- Starving Children: Emaciated and extremely hungry young individuals, suffering from lack of food and proper nutrition.
- White Faces: Pale or pallid countenances, often associated with illness or malnutrition.
- Listlessly: Without energy or enthusiasm; lacking interest or vigour.
- Black Streets: Darkened or dirty roads, often due to lack of maintenance or cleaning.
- Archway of a Bridge: A curved structure forming the entrance or exit of a bridge, providing support and architectural detail.
- Watchman: A person employed to guard and protect a particular place, often during the night.
- Wandered: Moved aimlessly or without a fixed destination; roamed.
- Covered with Fine Gold: Referring to the external appearance of the Happy Prince, adorned with thin leaves of fine gold.
Leaf after leaf of the fine gold the swallow picked off, till the Happy Prince looked quite dull and grey. Leaf after leaf of the fine gold he brought to the poor, and the children’s faces grew rosier, and they laughed and played in the street. “We have bread now!” they cried. Then the snow came, and after the snow came the frost. The streets looked as if they were made of silver. Everybody went about in furs, and the little boys wore scarlet caps and skated on the ice. The poor little swallow grew colder and colder, but he would not leave the Prince, he loved him too well. He picked up crumbs outside the baker’s door when the baker was not looking, and tried to keep himself warm by flapping his wings.
Word Meanings:
- Leaf: A flattened structure, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem and is the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants.
- Fine Gold: High-quality gold, often used to describe gold that is pure and valuable.
- Dull: Lacking brightness or shine; not reflecting light; boring or uninteresting.
- Grey: Of a colour intermediate between black and white, as of ashes or lead.
- Poor: Lacking sufficient money or resources; impoverished.
- Children’s Faces: The facial expressions of young individuals, often indicating their emotions or feelings.
- Rosier: Having a rosier complexion; redder or healthier in appearance.
- Laughed and Played: Exhibited joy and amusement, engaging in playful activities.
- Bread: A staple food made from flour, water, and yeast, usually baked.
- Frost: A deposit of small white ice crystals formed on the ground or other surfaces when the temperature falls below freezing.
- Streets: Public roads in a city or town, typically with buildings on both sides.
- Silver: A precious metal that is shiny and white in colour, often used for coins, jewellery, and tableware.
- Furs: Animal skins with the hair left on, used for clothing or decoration.
- Little Boys: Young male children.
- Scarlet Caps: Bright red head coverings.
- Skated: Moved smoothly and swiftly on ice using skates, usually for recreational or competitive purposes.
- Colder: Having a lower temperature; experiencing a decrease in warmth.
- Baker’s Door: The entrance or doorway to a bakery, where bread and other baked goods are sold.
- Flapping: Moving wings or arms up and down quickly and noisily, typically to generate lift or air circulation.
But at last he knew that he was going to die. He had just enough strength to fly up to the Prince’s shoulder once more. “Goodbye, dear Prince!” he murmured. “Will you let me kiss your hand? “I am glad that you are going to Egypt at last, little Swallow,” said the Prince. “You have stayed too long here but you must kiss me on the lips, for I love you.” “It is not to Egypt that I am going,” said the swallow. “I am going to the House of Death. Death is the brother of Sleep, is he not?” And he kissed the Happy Prince on the lips, and fell down dead at his feet.
Word Meanings:
- Going to Die: Approaching death; nearing the end of life.
- Strength: Physical or mental power; the ability to exert force or endure.
- Fly Up: Ascend or rise in the air, often used to describe the movement of birds.
- Goodbye: Used as an expression of farewell or parting, often said when someone is leaving.
- Murmured: Spoke softly and quietly, often in a manner that is difficult to hear.
- Kiss: Touch or press one’s lips to (someone or something) as an expression of love, greeting, or reverence.
- Hand: The end part of a person’s arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb.
- Glad: Feeling pleasure or happiness; pleased or delighted.
- Stayed: Remained in a particular place or condition; not left.
- House of Death: Symbolic reference to the place where living beings go after death; a metaphor for the afterlife or the state of being deceased.
- Death: The permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism; the end of life.
- Brother of Sleep: A metaphorical comparison suggesting that death and sleep are related or similar in some way.
- Fell Down Dead: Suddenly lost consciousness and life; ceased to live.
At that moment a curious crack sounded inside the statue, as if something had broken. The fact is that the leaden heart had snapped right in two. It certainly was a dreadfully hard frost. Early the next morning the Mayor was walking in the square below in company with the Town Councillors. As they passed the column he looked up at the statue. “Dear me! How shabby the Happy Prince looks!” he said. “How shabby, indeed!” cried the Town Councillors, who always agreed with the Mayor and they went up to look at it. “The ruby has fallen out of his sword, his eyes are gone, and he is golden no longer,” said the Mayor. “In fact, he is little better than a beggar!”
Word Meanings:
- Curious: Strange, unusual, or unexpected; arousing curiosity or interest.
- Crack: A sudden, sharp noise indicating a break or fracture in something.
- Leaden: Made of lead, a heavy, dense metal.
- Heart: In this context, a figurative term referring to the emotional centre or essence of a person.
- Snapped: Broke or split suddenly and sharply.
- Dreadfully: Extremely; in a manner causing great fear, distress, or discomfort.
- Frost: A layer of ice crystals that forms on the ground and other surfaces when the temperature falls below freezing.
- Mayor: The elected head of a city or town government, typically responsible for its administration and policies.
- Town Councillors: Individuals elected or appointed to represent the residents of a town or city, responsible for local governance and decision-making.
- Column: A tall, upright pillar, often used as an architectural or decorative element.
- Shabby: In poor condition, worn-out, or showing signs of age and neglect.
- Happy Prince: The title character in the story, a statue adorned with gold and precious jewels, symbolizing selflessness and compassion.
- Beggar: A person who lives by asking for money or food from strangers, typically due to poverty or homelessness.
“Little better than a beggar,” said the Town Councillors. “And here is actually a dead bird at his feet!” continued the Mayor. “We must really issue a proclamation that birds are not to be allowed to die here.” And the Town Clerk made a note of the suggestion. So they pulled down the statue of the Happy Prince. “As he is no longer beautiful he is no longer useful,” said the Art Professor at the University. Then they melted the statue in a furnace. “What a strange thing!” said the overseer of the workmen at the foundry. “This broken lead heart will not melt in the furnace. We must throw it away.” So they threw it on a dust heap where the dead swallow was also lying.
Word Meanings:
- Dead Bird: Referring to the swallow, which died at the feet of the Happy Prince.
- Proclamation: A formal or official public announcement or declaration.
- Town Clerk: An official responsible for keeping records and documents for a town or city government.
- Suggestion: A proposal or idea put forward for consideration or discussion.
- Pulled Down: Removed or dismantled, often referring to a structure or object.
- Art Professor: An expert or teacher in the field of art and aesthetics.
- University: An institution of higher education where students pursue academic studies and degrees.
- Melted: Changed from a solid to a liquid state due to heat.
- Furnace: An enclosed structure where heat is produced, often used for melting metal or baking ceramics.
- Overseer: A person who supervises or directs work, often in an industrial or construction context.
- Workmen: Skilled laborers or employees engaged in physical or manual tasks.
- Foundry: A place where metal is melted and cast into shapes.
- Broken Lead Heart: Referring to the heart-shaped object made of lead from the Happy Prince’s statue.
- Throw Away: Discard or dispose of something, often considering it no longer useful or valuable.
- Dust Heap: A pile or area where waste, dirt, or discarded items are accumulated.
“Bring me the two most precious things in the city,” said God to one of His Angels; and the Angel brought Him the leaden heart and the dead bird. “You have rightly chosen,” said God, “for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing for ever more and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me.”
Word Meanings:
- Angel: A spiritual being believed to act as a messenger or servant of God, often depicted as having wings.
- Precious: Of great value, cherished, highly esteemed, or beloved.
- Leaden Heart: Referring to the heart-shaped object made of lead from the Happy Prince’s statue, symbolizing sacrifice and compassion.
- Dead Bird: Referring to the swallow, which died at the feet of the Happy Prince, symbolizing loyalty and selflessness.
- Rightly Chosen: God approves of the Angel’s choice of the leaden heart and the dead bird as the most precious things in the city.
- Garden of Paradise: A metaphorical or religious term referring to a heavenly or blissful place, often associated with eternal happiness.
- Sing Forever More: The dead bird, representing the loyal swallow, is rewarded with eternal happiness and the ability to sing perpetually in Paradise.
- City of Gold: A metaphorical or religious term referring to a heavenly city or realm, often associated with divine presence and glory.
- Happy Prince: The title character in the story, a statue adorned with gold and precious jewels, symbolizing selflessness and compassion.
- Praise Me: The Happy Prince is rewarded for his compassion and self-sacrifice by being allowed to praise God eternally in the heavenly city.