
A gleaming statue stands above the city, its golden leaves and jeweled eyes watching the bustling streets below. When a curious child asks why the Happy Prince never asks for impossible things, the tale unfolds into a gentle meditation on generosity, sorrow, and the unseen struggles of those who seem perfect. Alongside this story, Wilde’s other short fables—about a selfish giant, a nightingale’s sacrifice, a loyal friend, and a wondrous rocket—each open with vivid imagery and tender dialogue that invite listeners into worlds where kindness and imagination clash with everyday indifference.
The narrator’s lyrical voice carries the listener from the quiet rustle of reeds by a river to the bustling market squares, introducing characters such as a wistful butterfly and a shy reed maiden who wrestle with love and belonging. These early moments set the stage for moral reflections that feel both timeless and fresh, making the collection a perfect companion for anyone who enjoys stories that sparkle with wit while quietly urging the heart toward empathy.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (88K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2014-09-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1854–1900
Best known for sparkling wit, elegant plays, and the haunting novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this Irish writer turned style, satire, and social criticism into unforgettable art. His life was as dramatic as his work, ending in exile after a trial that shocked Victorian society.
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