Answers to textbook exercises

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Last edited 11 days ago by Learn LoopHQ.

Chapter: 10. The Prince And The Swallow

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A. Answer these questions.

Why was the little Swallow alone in the city? Where were his companions?

The little Swallow was alone in the city because he had stayed behind for six weeks, as he was in love with the most beautiful Reed. His friends had gone away to Egypt.

Describe the statue of the Happy Prince.

The statue of the Happy Prince stood high above the city on a tall column. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, had two bright sapphires for eyes, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.

What did the statue want the Swallow to do and why?

The statue wanted the Swallow to bring the ruby out of his sword-hilt to a poor seamstress. He wanted this because he could see her suffering: she was thin and worn with pricked hands, embroidering a gown, and her little boy was ill with a fever, crying for oranges, with nothing but river water to drink.

Did the Swallow agree to help the statue right away? What did he say?

No, the Swallow did not agree to help the statue right away. He initially stated that he was waited for in Egypt and that his friends were already there. He also mentioned that he didn’t like boys because rude miller’s sons had thrown stones at him.

Why did the swallow finally agree to help the statue?

The Swallow finally agreed to help the statue because the Happy Prince looked so sad that the little Swallow felt sorry for him.

B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

He is as beautiful as the weathercock a. Who said this? * This was remarked by one of the Town Councillors. b. Why did he say it? * He said it because he wished to gain a reputation for having artistic tastes. c. What else did he say? * He added, “only not quite so useful,” fearing lest people should think him impractical.

and how wonderful is the power of love! a. Who said this and to whom? * This was said by the Swallow to a beautiful girl who came out on the balcony with her companion. b. What was the listener’s response to this? * The listener (the beautiful girl) responded by saying, “I hope my dress will be ready in time for the State ball; I have ordered passion-flowers to be embroidered on it; but the seamstresses are so lazy.” c. What is the significance of this line? * The significance of this line is that it reflects the Swallow’s growing understanding of selfless compassion, which is a powerful form of love, especially as he has just undertaken his first act of kindness. It also contrasts sharply with the superficial concerns of the girl he is speaking to.

C. Think and answer.

Do you think that the Happy Prince was really happy? Give reasons for your answer.

As a living prince, he was called “Happy Prince” because he lived in a palace where sorrow was not allowed to enter, knowing only pleasure. However, the story implies this was a superficial happiness, based on ignorance. He truly becomes “happy” (or at least, finds purpose and fulfillment) as a statue when he sees the suffering of his city and can act with compassion, even though this brings him tears of sorrow. So, he wasn’t really happy in a profound sense until he could empathize and give.

Does happiness come from material things, like how much wealth you have? Or does it come from elsewhere? List any five things that make you happy.

The story suggests that happiness does not primarily come from material things or wealth. The Happy Prince’s previous life of luxury did not make him truly happy or aware, and the Swallow only felt warm and content after performing a good deed, not from any material gain. Happiness comes from elsewhere – from empathy, compassion, self-sacrifice, and contributing to the well-being of others.

(Student’s personal examples, e.g.)

Spending time with my family.

Helping a friend with their homework.

Learning new things.

Playing outdoor games.

Reading my favorite books.

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