OSCAR WILDE: A LEGACY OF WIT AND WONDER
Oscar Wilde, the acclaimed Irish playwright, poet, and novelist, remains an iconic figure in the realm of literature, etching his name into the annals of history with his razor-sharp wit and unparalleled storytelling prowess. Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde’s captivating charm and eloquence would become synonymous with his works, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape of the late 19th century.
From an early age, Wilde exhibited a prodigious talent for writing and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His academic journey led him to Trinity College, Dublin, and later to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he distinguished himself as a scholar, delving into the realms of Greek classics and philosophy that would eventually shape his artistic vision.
Wilde’s works transcended conventional boundaries, blending elements of satire, comedy, and social commentary with an exquisite and often flamboyant writing style. His plays, including the renowned “The Importance of Being Earnest,” showcased his unparalleled ability to craft witty dialogue, poking fun at the hypocrisies of Victorian society while dazzling audiences with his linguistic virtuosity.
Yet, beneath the veneer of laughter and sparkling repartee, Wilde’s writings also explored profound themes of love, beauty, and the human condition. The story of the Happy Prince stands as a testament to his ability to infuse fairy tales with poignant allegory, weaving together elements of compassion, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a greater good.
However, Wilde’s life was not without its trials and tribulations. His personal journey was marked by scandal and controversy, culminating in his highly publicized trial and subsequent imprisonment for “gross indecency.” Yet, even in the face of adversity, Wilde’s spirit remained unbroken. His time in confinement inspired profound introspection, resulting in some of his most profound and introspective writings, including “De Profundis.”
Oscar Wilde’s literary legacy continues to captivate and inspire generations of readers worldwide. His eloquent prose, sharp wit, and unapologetic individuality challenge societal norms and encourage the pursuit of truth and beauty. His words remind us of the power of art to illuminate the human experience, to challenge conventions, and to spark conversations that endure long after the final page has been turned.
Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 46, Oscar Wilde’s influence transcends time, bridging the gap between the Victorian era and the modern world. His literary brilliance and charismatic persona continue to captivate, reminding us that, in the realm of art and ideas, Wilde’s spirit remains forever alive—a symbol of wit, wonder, and the enduring power of the written word.
THE GOLDEN SACRIFICE
CHARACTERS:
HAPPY PRINCE
CROWD
MOTHER
DAUGHTER
SWALLOW
POOR MAN 1
POOR MAN 2
POOR WOMAN 1
POOR WOMAN 2
POOR WOMAN 3
MAYOR
GUARD
ÁNGEL
SCRIPT:
In the bustling city, amidst the ebb and flow of life, stood a majestic statue—a testament to a prince’s benevolence and the boundless compassion that once graced his kingdom. The Happy Prince, adorned in shimmering gold, watched over the passersby with sapphire eyes that held the echoes of forgotten tales. Little did the world know that within the confines of this golden monument, a poignant and selfless journey was about to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who would bear witness.
(Scene: The statue of the Happy Prince stands tall on a magnificent column, adorned with gold. His eyes sparkle with blue sapphires, and a ruby graces his sword. People pass by, glancing at the statue before continuing on their way. A mother and daughter pause, captivated by its beauty)
DAUGHTER: Look, Mother! What a stunning statue. Do you know who he is?
MOTHER: That is the statue of a Prince. It has stood here for many years, and there are countless tales surrounding his existence. I’m unsure if he was real or merely a legend.
DAUGHTER: Please, tell me what you know.
MOTHER: According to popular belief, he was a Prince who resided in a castle atop a mighty mountain. His father, a benevolent and generous king, shared his wealth with all his subjects. It was a kingdom filled with joy and adoration, for there had never been a king quite like him. Tragically, one day the king fell gravely ill and passed away suddenly. Overwhelmed with sorrow, the prince, too, met his untimely demise shortly after his father’s departure.
DAUGHTER: How melancholic. Do you happen to know who sculpted this statue?
MOTHER: The statue was crafted by the hands of the people themselves. They collected all the gold and precious stones bestowed upon them by the king and fashioned the statue in gratitude for his boundless kindness. They christened it “The Happy Prince.”
DAUGHTER: Though he appears angelic, not much like a prince, I believe he possessed the same benevolence as his father.
MOTHER: That is precisely what the stories suggest. Now, let us proceed; it grows late.
(The mother and daughter exit the stage. A Swallow flies in and settles between the statue’s feet.)
SWALLOW: What a splendid golden abode! My journey to Egypt has been long, and weariness has overtaken me. I shall rest here briefly before continuing tomorrow. (Raindrops fall upon the Swallow.) Rain? But the sky is clear. Whence do these droplets originate? (The Swallow gazes at the statue and notices tears streaming down its cheeks.) Why do you weep? Who are you?
HAPPY PRINCE: I am the Happy Prince.
SWALLOW: If you are the Happy Prince, why do tears stain your golden countenance?
HAPPY PRINCE: I weep because, in my former life, I possessed a human heart and knew not the burdens of sorrow. I was known as the Happy Prince. But now, perched atop this column, I witness the suffering and misery that shroud my kingdom.
SWALLOW: Yet, what can you do to alleviate their plight?
HAPPY PRINCE: My father was a great man. Every gift he bestowed upon his people, including the gold, brought them respite from suffering. Now, I yearn to do the same, but alas, I cannot move. I am but a motionless statue, no longer in need of gold and precious stones.
SWALLOW: Is there something I, a humble Swallow, can do to assist you?
HAPPY PRINCE: Yes, at the end of this street lies a humble abode. An open window reveals a woman seated at a table, embroidering a dress for a magnificent ball at the palace. Her son lies in bed, famished and ailing, while she can offer him naught but water. Kind Swallow, take her the ruby from my sword.
SWALLOW: Your wish shall be granted, even if my brethren await me by the Nile. (The Swallow retrieves the ruby from the sword and departs. He returns and nestles between the statue’s feet.) I have fulfilled your request. The woman was astounded when I placed the ruby on her windowsill. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched it, embracing her son with newfound hope. I, too, felt an overwhelming sense of contentment.
HAPPY PRINCE: It is the reward of a virtuous deed. Stay with me this night, dear Swallow, and become my messenger.
SWALLOW: Is there more I can do for you?
HAPPY PRINCE: Yes, please take one of my sapphires to the writer residing in the nearby house. He languishes, famished and freezing, striving to complete a play for the Theatre Director. His hunger and coldness stifle his creativity.
SWALLOW: But what purpose will the sapphire serve him?
HAPPY PRINCE: He shall sell it to a jeweler, obtaining sustenance and warmth in return. Thus, he shall complete his play.
SWALLOW: Though Egypt beckons, where I could marvel at pyramids and watch lions drink from the Nile, I shall heed your command.
HAPPY PRINCE: Thank you, dear Swallow.
(The Swallow removes one of the sapphires from the statue’s eyes and departs. He returns with weariness evident in his wings.)
HAPPY PRINCE: Your return warms my heart. Tell me, did you fulfill your mission?
SWALLOW: Oh, Prince, the man’s desperation was palpable. When he beheld the sapphire I left on his windowsill, he sprang into action, clutching it tightly before hurriedly leaving his dwelling.
HAPPY PRINCE: Now, I implore you to retrieve the other sapphire.
SWALLOW: But, Prince, if I remove the remaining sapphire, you shall be rendered sightless!
HAPPY PRINCE: Fear not, for it matters not. I beseech you, to proceed.
SWALLOW: And where shall I go?
HAPPY PRINCE: In the Square below, you shall find a little match-girl. Bereft of shoes and a coat, her matches lie scattered in the mud, rendering her unable to sell them. Should she return home empty-handed, her father’s wrath shall befall her. The sapphire holds no value to me; she, however, direly needs it.
(The Swallow retrieves the other sapphire from the statue’s eye and embarks on his mission. He returns, weary and spent.)
SWALLOW: Prince, I have fulfilled your bidding. I found the poor girl weeping on the ground, dejected. As she beheld the sapphire in my beak, she reached out and caressed me gently before accepting the precious gift. I watched as she rose, gazing at me in gratitude.
HAPPY PRINCE: Thank you, dear Swallow.
SWALLOW: Prince, now that you are bereft of sight, I cannot abandon you. I shall remain by your side eternally.
HAPPY PRINCE: Then, there is one final task I entrust to you. I am adorned with exquisite gold leaf. Leaf by leaf, please remove it and distribute it among the impoverished souls who hunger and shiver.
SWALLOW: But I do not wish for your demise.
HAPPY PRINCE: You must understand. The people constructed this statue with the gold and precious stones they received from my father. This gold rightfully belongs to them. Begin now, I beseech you.
(The Swallow diligently plucks off each leaf of gold, bestowing it upon the impoverished passersby.)
POOR MAN 1: Ah, now we have bread!
POOR MAN 2: With this gold, we can purchase firewood!
POOR WOMAN 1: My children shall not suffer the cold this winter!
POOR WOMAN 2: My husband can afford his medicine!
POOR WOMAN 3: Gratitude, God! This is truly a miracle!
(The impoverished men and women depart, exclaiming with joy. The Swallow, exhausted, nestles between the Happy Prince’s feet.)
SWALLOW: I have done as you commanded. Now, allow me some respite, for I am weary.
HAPPY PRINCE: Rest, my faithful friend, for you have earned it.
(The Swallow closes his eyes and takes his final breath. The Mayor, accompanied by his guards and the crowd, enters and gazes at the statue.)
MAYOR: A lifeless swallow lies near the statue.
GUARD: The ruby, the sapphires, and the golden exterior are gone!
MAYOR: The statue is now worthless. Let us destroy it and cast everything aside, including the swallow!
(The Mayor, guards, and crowd dismantle the statue, leaving its broken fragments and the heart on the ground. The Happy Prince’s heart and the Swallow’s lifeless body remain united. The Mayor, guards, and crowd depart. An angel enters.)
ANGEL: Where shall I find the two most beautiful things that God requested of me? (She spots the golden heart and the deceased swallow, cradling them in her hands.) Oh, these are the most exquisite treasures I have encountered on Earth. I shall carry them to God.
(The Angel exits.)
As the sun set over the city, the broken fragments of the statue and the lifeless body of the devoted Swallow lay scattered on the ground. Yet, their legacy endured. The selflessness of the Happy Prince and the unwavering loyalty of the Swallow resonated beyond their physical forms, igniting a spark of compassion within the hearts of all who heard their story. Through their sacrifices, they taught the world the true essence of kindness and the transformative power of empathy. The memory of the Happy Prince and his faithful companion would forever linger, a testament to the enduring beauty of selfless acts.
End of Play
AUTHOR: OSCAR WILDE
ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C O
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