Oscar Wilde Imperialism

Discovery can be initiated through a re-examination of the world which can lead to greater understandings of others and improved moral judgement. Oscar Wilde depicts this through the Prince statue’s and the swallow’s conversion from self-indulgence to altruism upon confronting the town’s poverty. Due to circumstances unique to different social classes, individuals may become oblivious to the suffering of others, and therefore have a limited understanding of the world. This is symbolised through the palace’s “lofty walls” which act as physical imagery that both acts as a barrier which conceals his people’s plight and segregates society. Similarly, the singular obsession to preserve an individual’s own life through constantly escaping from problems, also has a narrow worldly perspective, and this is conveyed through the sparrow’s repeated excuse “I am waited for in Egypt”. …show more content…
However, as individuals expose themselves to other worldly concerns, their self-centred values shift as they become increasingly compassionate. This is demonstrated through the Prince’s altruism and sacrifice of his decoration until he is ,”little better than a beggar”, a juxtaposition of his former grandeur. This emphasises his now selfless nature upon having now realised his kingdom’s poverty, hence showing how discoveries can help broaden our morality. This is also evidenced through the Sparrow’s repeated syntax inversion in “I will stay with you always”. The swallow’s concern of the Prince’s happiness over his own life indicates how through uncovering the misery of others enriches one’s own sense of morality and compassion. This Therefore, Wilde’s “The Happy Prince” demonstrates how discoveries can initiate renewed perceptions of the world, resulting in an increased understanding of others and an improved sense of