The Happy Prince

Synopsis

In a town where a lot of poor people suffer and where there are a lot of miseries, a swallow who was left behind after his flock flew off to Egypt for the winter, meets the statue of the late 'Happy Prince', who in reality has never experienced true sorrow, for he lived in a palace where sorrow isn't allowed to enter. Viewing various scenes of people suffering in poverty from his tall monument, the Happy Prince asks the swallow to take the ruby from his hilt, the sapphires from his eyes, and the golden leaf covering his body to give to the poor. As the winter comes and the Happy Prince is stripped of all of his beauty, his lead heart breaks when the swallow dies as a result of his selfless deeds and severe cold. The statue is then brought down from the pillar and melted in a furnace leaving behind the broken heart and the dead swallow and they are thrown in a dust heap. These are taken up to heaven by an angel that has deemed them the two most precious things in the city. This is affirmed by God and they live forever in his city of gold and garden of paradise.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Happy Prince

The Happy Prince was a gilded statue perched atop a tall column in the bustling city. Despite his gleaming exterior, he was filled with pity for the city's poor and suffering. One day, a small, brown swallow arrives, seeking shelter from a storm. The prince, touched by the bird's vulnerability, allows it to nest in his crown and offers a ruby from his hilt to provide warmth.

Example: A homeless man sits shivering on a park bench. Passersby ignore him as they rush about their own business. A kind-hearted woman stops and offers him a warm blanket and a hot cup of coffee, showing him the same compassion that the Happy Prince had for the swallow.

Chapter 2: The Swallow and the Prince

As the storm rages, the swallow tells the prince of the poverty and misery it has witnessed during its travels. The prince is horrified and asks the swallow to deliver his remaining gems to the poor. Despite its reluctance to leave the prince alone, the swallow agrees and sets out on a mission of mercy.

Example: A group of volunteers organize a food drive and collect donations to help those in need. They visit low-income neighborhoods and distribution centers, providing sustenance to families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Chapter 3: The Swallow's Mission

The swallow flies through the city, guided by the prince's instructions. It witnesses the suffering of a starving woman, a sick child, and a paralyzed writer. The swallow uses the gems to bring them comfort and hope, lightening their burdens and restoring their spirits.

Example: A teacher in an underprivileged school goes above and beyond to support her students. She provides extra tutoring, organizes fundraisers for field trips, and creates a welcoming environment where children feel valued and supported.

Chapter 4: The Prince's Sacrifice

As the swallow continues its mission, the prince becomes increasingly weakened. He willingly gives up his remaining eyes, a sapphire and an emerald, to help the blind and the deaf. In the end, only his lead heart remains.

Example: A nurse sacrifices her own health and well-being to care for patients during a pandemic. She works tirelessly, providing comfort and support to those in their darkest moments.

Chapter 5: The Swallow's Farewell

With the prince's heart gone, the swallow realizes that its mission is complete. It returns to the prince, overwhelmed with gratitude for the prince's generosity. The two bid each other farewell, the prince returning to his peaceful slumber and the swallow flying off into the unknown.

Example: A community comes together to support a family after a tragedy. They provide financial assistance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging, helping the family to rebuild their lives and find hope amidst their loss.