Chapter: 10. The Prince And The Swallow
A. Answer these questions.
The Swallow was reluctant to help the Prince at first because he was waited for in Egypt by his friends and it was very cold. He also initially stated that he didn’t like boys, recalling a past unpleasant experience. On his flight to the seamstress’s house, the Swallow passed by the cathedral tower where white marble angels were sculptured, the palace where he heard the sound of dancing, and the river where he saw lanterns hanging from the masts of ships. The seamstress was embroidering passion-flowers on a satin gown for the loveliest of the Queen’s maids-of-honour to wear at the next court ball. The little boy was lying ill with a fever, tossing feverishly on his bed, and crying because he was thirsty and asking for oranges. The Swallow placed the ruby on the table beside the woman’s thimble. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“You have been trifling with me!” he cried. “I am off to the Pyramids. Goodbye!”
a. The “he” in this sentence is the little Swallow.
b. He is speaking to the Reed, his lady-love.
c. This reveals that the Swallow was initially somewhat self-centered and perhaps impatient, having grown tired of his “ridiculous attachment” and eager to continue his own journey. “Then another drop fell. ‘What is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off?’ he said. ‘I must look for a good chimney-pot,’ and he determined to fly away.”
a. The speaker here is the little Swallow.
b. This initial reaction suggests that the Swallow is practical and focused on his own comfort, quickly becoming frustrated when something doesn’t serve his immediate needs.
c. The unexpected event that prevents the speaker from flying away immediately is a third drop falling, prompting him to look up and see that the “rain” is tears from the Happy Prince’s eyes. C. Think and answer.
The Swallow’s character evolves significantly. Initially, he is depicted as somewhat frivolous and self-absorbed, staying behind for a “ridiculous attachment” and then complaining about the cold and disliking boys. However, upon seeing the Happy Prince’s tears, he is moved by pity and agrees to stay and help. He demonstrates compassion by fanning the sick boy and later feels a “curious warmth” from doing a good deed, showing his transition from a self-focused bird to a selfless and empathetic helper. The author is trying to convey a message about the stark contrast between extreme wealth (represented by the gilded Prince and the palace life) and dire poverty (the ill child, overworked seamstress). The story suggests that true happiness and meaning are not found in isolated pleasure or material abundance but in recognizing and alleviating the suffering of others. It highlights the moral responsibility of those with means to help the less fortunate, indicating that ignorance of suffering, even if it brings a superficial “happiness,” is not ideal. (Answers will vary, marking for reasoning and connection to themes) Example 1 (Staying): I would choose to stay and help the Prince. While going to Egypt sounds warm and fun, the suffering in the city is real and immediate. The Prince cannot move, but I can be his wings. The feeling of helping someone, as the Swallow experienced, seems more rewarding than just enjoying a comfortable climate. My friends can wait; these people need help now. Example 2 (Going to Egypt): I might choose to continue to Egypt. It’s very cold, and my instincts tell me to migrate for survival. While I would feel bad for the Prince, one swallow can only do so much, and there might be others who could help. My primary responsibility is to my flock and my own survival. D. Word Wonder: Old-fashioned Words
The knight prepared for his final assay to reclaim the castle. During the famine, finding sufficient aliment was a daily struggle. Look at that beautiful sunset yonder! The young child was afeard of the dark. 
Answer key