Analysis

The analysis of the short story “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde shows that it follows a linear plot structure. The story appears to be an allegory, where the events and characters are used to deliver a moral message. 

The characters are the Happy Prince and the Swallow. They are meant to illustrate the ideas of self-sacrifice and kindness. 

The physical setting is an unnamed city in northern Europe. The fact that we are not given a specific location suggests the universal nature of these events. The story takes place during autumn and winter.

The story is mostly told by a third-person narrator who appears to be omniscient. However, at some point in the text there is a reference to a first-person narrator. 

The language is formal. The tone is almost solemn, suggesting that the author is serious about the topic. There are several instances of irony in the story. 

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages. 

 

Short story analysis

I denne vejledning får du Studienets hjælp til at analysere noveller (short stories) i engelsk.