Oscar Wilde Questions and Answers
Oscar Wilde
Literary devices in "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde
In "The Happy Prince," Oscar Wilde employs similes, personification, and symbolism rather than direct metaphors. Similes are used to describe settings and characters, while personification gives...
Oscar Wilde
What is the ending of "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde?
The ending of "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde features angels bringing the swallow and the leaden heart of the prince's statue to God, who declares they will live forever in His "city of gold."...
Oscar Wilde
How does "The Model Millionaire" reflect Victorian Age values and ideas?
"The Model Millionaire" reflects Victorian Age values and ideas through its portrayal of social disparity and moral virtues. The characters represent different social strata, with Baron Hausberg...
Oscar Wilde
What key themes does Oscar Wilde convey in his texts and what literary devices does he use?
Oscar Wilde's key themes include the independence of art from morality, the conflict between artists and bourgeois society, and homoeroticism. His later works also engage with religion. Wilde...
Oscar Wilde
How is figurative language used in "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde?
In "The Selfish Giant," Oscar Wilde makes extensive use of personification, and in particular the variety of personification known as "the pathetic fallacy," which attributes human feelings to...
Oscar Wilde
What does "Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed" mean?
The phrase means that romance is seen as a luxury for the wealthy, while the poor should focus on practical matters. In "The Model Millionaire," Hughie Erskine's love for Laura is hindered by his...
Oscar Wilde
What is the relationship between the Swallow and other characters in "The Happy Prince"?
The relationships between the Swallow and other characters in “The Happy Prince” range from initially superficial and tenuous to deep and solid. The Swallow shares a seemingly casual friendship with...
Oscar Wilde
Why did the old man smile when Hughie gave him the gold coin in "The Model Millionaire"?
The old man smiles when Hughie gives him the gold coin because he is actually Baron Hausberg, a wealthy man posing as a beggar for a portrait. Hughie's genuine act of kindness, despite his own...
Oscar Wilde
Themes and Christian undertones in Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant"
The main themes in Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" include redemption, love, and transformation. Christian undertones are evident through the Giant's journey from selfishness to selflessness,...
Oscar Wilde
How is figurative language used in "The Devoted Friend" by Oscar Wilde?
In "The Devoted Friend," Oscar Wilde employs figurative language primarily through fable elements, symbolism, and irony. The story features animals that symbolize different human traits, creating a...
Oscar Wilde
What is the theme of Oscar Wilde's "The Sphinx Without a Secret"?
The theme of Oscar Wilde's "The Sphinx Without a Secret" revolves around love, mystery, and irony. Wilde illustrates how love, driven by physical attraction, propels the plot through Murchison's...
Oscar Wilde
Do you agree that "Happy Prince" is a story based on love and humanity?
Yes, "The Happy Prince" is a story based on love and humanity. The story depicts the prince and the swallow making significant sacrifices to aid the city's downtrodden, showcasing their deep love and...
Oscar Wilde
Who are the characters in Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince?"
The characters of Wilde's "The Happy Prince" include the statue of the Happy Prince, the Swallow who helps the prince, and the shallow Town Councillors. Then there is the seamstress, playwright, and...
Oscar Wilde
How does the title of "The Remarkable Rocket" by Oscar Wilde relate to its theme?
The title "The Remarkable Rocket" reflects the story's theme of self-delusion and subjective reality. It highlights the rocket's egotism and distorted perception, believing himself the center of the...
Oscar Wilde
What did Oscar Wilde mean by his statement that all art is quite useless? Does art have a use or should it be...
Oscar Wilde's statement that "all art is quite useless" reflects his alignment with the "art for art's sake" movement, emphasizing art's intrinsic value rather than practical utility. This...
Oscar Wilde
To what extent are Wilde's claims that disobedience is a valuable trait and promotes social progress valid, based on...
Wilde's claim that disobedience promotes social progress is valid to some extent. Historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify how rebellion can lead to significant social...
Oscar Wilde
What is the theme of Oscar Wilde's "The Doer of Good"?
The theme of "The Doer of Good" explores the resilience of human nature against change, even after receiving miraculous benefits. Wilde uses biblical allusions, depicting Jesus questioning two men he...
Oscar Wilde
What are some figures of speech in 'The Remarkable Rocket' by Oscar Wilde?
In "The Remarkable Rocket," Oscar Wilde employs various figures of speech. Similes are prevalent, such as comparisons like "shaped like a great golden swan" and "as pale as the Snow Palace."...
Oscar Wilde
Compare and contrast Oscar Wilde's "The Nightingale and the Rose" and "The Happy Prince".
"The Nightingale and the Rose" and "The Happy Prince" share a lyrical style and themes of self-sacrifice by a bird for humanity. However, the Swallow in "The Happy Prince" has the Prince's...
Oscar Wilde
How does "The Remarkable Rocket" convey virtues and flaws of Victorian society?
In "The Remarkable Rocket," Oscar Wilde conveys the virtues of Victorian society through the reactions of sensible characters such as the Cracker, the Roman Candle, and the Duck to the silly and...
Oscar Wilde
What is the rising action in "The Happy Prince" by Wilde?
The rising action in "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde begins when the swallow meets the statue of the prince and they partner to perform good deeds. Initially resting at the statue, the swallow is...
Oscar Wilde
How does the swallow in Oscar Wilde's story die?
The swallow in Oscar Wilde's story dies from the cold after choosing to stay with the Happy Prince instead of migrating to a warmer climate. The swallow remains to help the Prince distribute gold...
Oscar Wilde
Why was Oscar Wilde known for his flamboyant style?
Oscar Wilde is most known for being flamboyant because of his witty remarks and outlandish lifestyle.
Oscar Wilde
What is Oscar Wilde's attitude toward the Victorian preoccupation with philanthropy?
Oscar Wilde's attitude toward Victorian philanthropy is critical, as depicted in "The Importance of Being Earnest." He suggests that upper-class individuals often feign philanthropy to enhance their...
Oscar Wilde
What is the meaning of this paragraph from "The Happy Prince"?
The paragraph highlights the Prince's realization of the disparity between his past wealth and the poverty around him. As a statue, he aims to rectify this by donating his gold to the poor,...
Oscar Wilde
Which phrase in the opening paragraph of "The Model Millionaire" best describes Hughie Erskine and why?
The phrase in the opening paragraph that describes Hughie Erskine best is "he had every accomplishment except that of making money." The phrase sums up both Hughie's personality and his predicament.
Oscar Wilde
Does "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde suggest that love and kindness lead to eternal peace?
Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant" suggests that love and kindness lead to eternal peace. The story illustrates this through a giant who initially prevents children from playing in his garden,...
Oscar Wilde
Exploration of gender identity and models of femininity in Oscar Wilde's society comedies
Oscar Wilde's society comedies explore gender identity and models of femininity by highlighting the constraints and expectations placed on women in Victorian society. Through witty dialogue and...
Oscar Wilde
What is the significance of the dandy in Oscar Wilde's social comedies?
The dandy in Oscar Wilde's social comedies serves as both a humorous and philosophical figure who critiques societal hypocrisy through wit and paradox. While appearing superficial, dandies like Lord...
Oscar Wilde
How does Oscar Wilde portray the theme of class divide in "The Happy Prince"?
Oscar Wilde portrays the theme of class divide in "The Happy Prince" by highlighting the stark contrast between wealth and poverty. The opulent statue symbolizes the city's fixation on material...
Oscar Wilde
Why did the Giant's heart melt when he saw the children in "The Selfish Giant"?
In "The Selfish Giant," the Giant's heart melts because he realizes that he needs to share his garden with the children to keep it beautiful and green. He acknowledges that he has been selfish and is...
Oscar Wilde
Why was Oscar Wilde shamed during his life, but considered a literary genius after death?
Oscar Wilde was shamed during his life primarily due to his homosexuality and his challenge to Victorian societal norms, leading to his prosecution under laws condemning homosexuality. His...
Oscar Wilde
How does Oscar Wilde make Hugh the Miller unlikable in "The Devoted Friend"?
Oscar Wilde makes Hugh the Miller an unlikable character in "The Devoted Friend" by showing him taking advantage of the kindness and generosity of little Hans. The selfish Hugh takes and takes to the...
Oscar Wilde
Where does "The Doer of Good" by Oscar Wilde take place?
"The Doer of Good" by Oscar Wilde takes place in the Holy Lands during the time of Christ. The setting is suggested through allusions to biblical miracles performed by Christ, such as healing a leper...
Oscar Wilde
How does fantasy blend with reality in Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince"?
Oscar Wilde's short story "
Oscar Wilde
Can Oscar Wilde's plays and stories be read as serious social criticism?
Oscar Wilde's plays and stories can indeed be read as serious social criticism. His works, like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, critique the hedonistic and superficial...