The Happy Prince
1. Why do the courtiers call the prince “the Happy Prince”? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
Ans: The courtiers call him the “Happy Prince” because, during his lifetime, he lived in luxury and never experienced sorrow. However, after his death, he is no longer truly happy. From his statue, he observes the misery, poverty, and suffering of the people in the city, which makes him deeply sad.
2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’s house?
Ans: The Happy Prince sends the ruby to help a poor seamstress who is overworked and unable to care for her sick son. The child is weak and thirsty, and the mother cannot afford proper food or medicine. The swallow delivers the ruby by placing it on the table near her and gently fans the boy with its wings to give him some relief.
3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?
Ans: The prince sends the sapphires to two needy people:
A poor young writer who is unable to complete his work due to hunger and cold.
A little matchgirl whose matches have fallen into the gutter, and she fears punishment from her father.
The sapphires are given to help them overcome their difficulties.
4. What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?
Ans: While flying over the city, the swallow notices a sharp contrast between the rich and the poor. The wealthy enjoy themselves in grand houses, while the poor and beggars suffer and struggle for survival outside.
5. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
Ans: The swallow stays back because it develops affection for the Happy Prince and feels a sense of duty to help him serve the poor. Instead of migrating to Egypt, it chooses to remain and assist the prince until it eventually dies due to the cold.
6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?
Ans: The two precious things are the lead heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow. They are considered precious not because of their material value but because of their selfless love, kindness, and sacrifice for the welfare of others.