Class 9 English - UP
Supplementary: The Happy Prince
Supplementary: The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde is a touching tale about a magnificent statue adorned with gold and jewels, and a little swallow. Overlooking the sorrow of the city, the Happy Prince asks the swallow to strip away his wealth to help the poor and suffering. This chapter is vital for UPMSP Class 9 students as it teaches deep moral values like empathy, true love, and selflessness. Board exams frequently feature questions testing character analysis of the Prince and the swallow, as well as short-answer questions focusing on the central theme of inner beauty and charity over external riches.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Selflessness and Sacrifice
Both the Happy Prince and the little swallow sacrifice their personal comforts and even their lives to bring happiness to the poor people of the city.
True Beauty
The story contrasts external beauty—represented by the gold and jewels on the statue—with the inner beauty of kindness and compassion, showing that love for humanity is most precious.
Role of the Swallow
The swallow acts as the messenger and agent of the Happy Prince, symbolizing how unlikely friendships can lead to great acts of charity.
Social Injustice
Oscar Wilde highlights the harsh reality of society where the rich live in luxury while the poor suffer from hunger, cold, and neglect.
The Two Most Precious Things
At the end of the story, God chooses the dead swallow and the leaden heart of the Happy Prince as the two most precious things on Earth because of their pure love and sacrifice.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 9 English Literature board exams, this supplementary chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include one long answer type question based on the theme or character sketch, and short answer type questions regarding the plot and specific events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the statue called the Happy Prince?
The statue was called the Happy Prince because when he was alive, he lived in Sans Souci palace where sorrow was not allowed, and he only knew happiness.
Why did the swallow not leave the Prince despite the cold weather?
The swallow stayed back because he had grown deeply attached to the Happy Prince, who had become blind after giving away his sapphire eyes, and chose to serve as his messenger.
What were the two most precious things brought to God?
The dead swallow and the leaden heart of the Happy Prince were chosen by God's angel as the two most precious things on Earth.
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