Fairy tales are stories that characteristically feature folkloric fantasy characters like dwarves, ogres, and witches among others to communicate a story. They are employ use of fear and violence to illuminate disparities of differences in the society. Studies from educators and sociologist are shown supportive evidence that the fear and violence in folk tales contribute to a better educated and safer society, therefore, supporting the point that fairy tales serve to or give a life lesson.
The happy prince
This was a story about a prince and a swallow who fell in love with each other. Before he died, he lived in a palace where sorrow was not allowed, and he was thus ever happy. He played in the garden and danced at night, and knew nothing beyond the walls of the garden. From where the prince is, he can now see the suffering and despair of the poor, something that he never knew existed before. He now sees beyond his comfort and happiness and is willing to give out all he has just so that someone else is happy. He gives out all he has and remains with nothing. Though reluctant at first, the swallow eventually also acquires this streak of kindness and even feels better after he can help out a little boy. Here, the writer uses imagery to illustrate the magnitude of despondency that the people grappled with daily as the king and other rich people enjoyed themselves in the finest things. They include: the paterian aesthetic, and as you read further, you would come across colorful imagery that implies religious connotations and even homosexuality.
The story exemplifies how people have no compassion for the less fortunate in the society. It shows that for us to know what it feels like to lack, we have to detach ourselves from our comfort zones and look at the situation from the other person's panorama, just like the prince did. Also, it shows the joy in giving, as what may be of no use to someone may bring great joy and relieve someone else's suffering. Finally, it shows that kindness never goes unrewarded as the prince and the swallow are exalted before God's eyes and are welcomed in the garden of paradise.
The story uses Biblical imagery to highlight how beautiful the garden was, and how the children derived so much joy in playing there. It also points out the sorrow and despair that the giant went through when spring would not come into his land.The story majorly shows the importance of kindness. It shows that hostility and aggression can never yield any good results and attracts the same. The giant was hostile towards the children and in turn, while the rest of the land enjoyed the goodness of spring and summer, he had to contend with the harsh winter. Again, the story points out that when a tragedy befalls someone, they become remorseful and can then soften their stand to accommodate things that they were previously unappealing to them. This is exactly what happened to the giant.
Lastly, it illustrates how inwardly rewarding and fulfilling it is to have the love of those around you. When the giant saw the children on the trees, and that the winter was gone, he was very happy. The winter ceased, and he died a happy man thanks to the little boy, whom he had been particularly kind to.
Works cited
Wilde, Oscar. The Happy Prince and Other Tales. New York: ReadHowYouWant.com, 2008. Print.
Wilde, Oscar. The Happy Prince and Other Fairy Tales. New York: Putnam, n.d.. Internet resource.
