NCERT Class 9 Moments “The Happy Prince” Extra Question Answers

Introduction to the Chapter:

“The Happy Prince” is a famous short story by Oscar Wilde that portrays themes of compassion, sacrifice, and love. The story is about a statue of a prince, known as the Happy Prince, who, despite being beautiful and adorned with jewels, feels deep sorrow for the poverty and suffering he sees in his city. He persuades a little Swallow, who has stopped by on his way to Egypt, to help distribute his riches to the poor and needy, eventually sacrificing all he has for others. Through the tale of the Happy Prince and the Swallow, Wilde explores the concepts of true happiness, selflessness, and the importance of kindness.

Here are some 3-mark and 6-mark questions with value points and answers:

---

3-Marks Questions

1. Why was the statue called the “Happy Prince”?
   • Value Points:
     • The Prince had been happy during his lifetime, never seeing sorrow or poverty.
     • After his death, his statue was erected, decorated with jewels, symbolizing joy and beauty.
     • The name “Happy Prince” reflected the joy he felt when alive, but he was no longer truly happy.
   Answer: The statue was called the “Happy Prince” because during his life, the Prince lived in luxury and joy, shielded from the sorrow and suffering of the world. After his death, his statue was adorned with gold and jewels, symbolizing happiness. However, the Prince was no longer truly happy because he could now see the suffering around him.
2. What did the Happy Prince notice about the city from his statue?
   • Value Points:
     • He saw the poverty, hunger, and suffering of the people in his city.
     • He observed poor children, struggling mothers, and destitute men.
     • His heart ached for those in need, and he wanted to help them.
   Answer: The Happy Prince noticed the widespread poverty and suffering in his city. He observed poor, hungry children, struggling mothers, and destitute men who lacked basic necessities. Witnessing this, he felt deep sorrow and a desire to help those in need.
3. Why did the Swallow stay back to help the Happy Prince?
   • Value Points:
     • Initially, the Swallow wanted to join his friends in Egypt but was moved by the Prince’s compassion.
     • He felt sympathy for the people the Prince wanted to help.
     • Out of friendship and a sense of purpose, the Swallow agreed to assist the Prince.
   Answer: The Swallow initially intended to migrate to Egypt to join his friends but decided to stay back after being moved by the Prince’s compassion and concern for the needy. He felt sympathy for the people the Prince wanted to help and agreed to assist out of friendship and purpose.
4. How did the Happy Prince help the poor and needy?
   • Value Points:
     • He asked the Swallow to pluck off his jewels and gold leaves to distribute to the poor.
     • The sapphires from his eyes and the ruby from his sword were given to help various people in distress.
     • The gold covering was distributed to bring warmth to the needy.
   Answer: The Happy Prince helped the poor by asking the Swallow to pluck off his ruby, sapphires, and gold leaf covering to distribute among the poor and needy. The jewels and gold brought comfort, warmth, and relief to those in distress, such as a seamstress, a young writer, and cold children.
5. What happened to the Happy Prince and the Swallow in the end?
   • Value Points:
     • The Happy Prince lost all his adornments and became dull and gray.
     • The Swallow, weakened by the cold, died at the Prince’s feet.
     • Despite their end, both were honored in heaven for their selflessness and love.
   Answer: In the end, the Happy Prince lost all his adornments, becoming dull and gray as he gave away his jewels and gold to the needy. The Swallow, weakened by the cold, died at the Prince’s feet. However, in heaven, both were honored for their selflessness, with their spirits being cherished by God.

---

6-Marks Questions

1. How does “The Happy Prince” portray the theme of selfless love and compassion?
   • Value Points:
     • The Prince gives away his jewels and gold to help the poor and suffering, sacrificing his beauty and riches.
     • The Swallow, out of love for the Prince and compassion for the needy, stays back to fulfill the Prince’s wishes.
     • Both characters show selfless love, caring more about others than their own well-being.
   Answer: “The Happy Prince” portrays selfless love and compassion through the actions of the Prince and the Swallow. The Prince sacrifices his jewels and gold, becoming dull and gray, to help the poor and suffering in his city. The Swallow, motivated by compassion and love for the Prince, stays behind in the cold to assist in these acts of kindness. Both characters embody selflessness, prioritizing the needs of others over their own, and through their sacrifices, they demonstrate the true essence of love and compassion.
2. What role does the Swallow play in carrying out the wishes of the Happy Prince?
   • Value Points:
     • The Swallow becomes the Prince’s messenger, distributing his jewels and gold to the needy.
     • He sacrifices his journey to Egypt and his life to help fulfill the Prince’s wishes.
     • Through his dedication, the Swallow helps spread the Prince’s love and kindness to those in need.
   Answer: The Swallow plays the role of the Prince’s devoted messenger, distributing his jewels and gold to those in need. Despite his initial plans to migrate to Egypt, he sacrifices his journey and ultimately his life to carry out the Prince’s wishes. Through his dedication and compassion, the Swallow enables the Prince’s love and kindness to reach the suffering, fulfilling the Prince’s desire to alleviate poverty and pain in the city.
3. Explain the significance of the Happy Prince’s sacrifice. What message does it convey?
   • Value Points:
     • The Prince sacrifices his beauty, wealth, and ultimately himself to help the poor and suffering.
     • His sacrifice highlights the value of compassion and kindness over material wealth.
     • The message conveyed is that true happiness lies in selfless giving and helping those in need.
   Answer: The Happy Prince’s sacrifice is significant as he willingly gives up his beauty, wealth, and ultimately himself to relieve the suffering of others. By sacrificing his jewels and gold, he demonstrates that compassion and kindness are far more valuable than material wealth. The story conveys the message that true happiness and fulfillment lie in selflessly giving and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
4. Describe the transformation in the Swallow’s character throughout the story.
   • Value Points:
     • Initially, the Swallow was eager to leave for Egypt and uninterested in staying.
     • Gradually, he developed empathy for the Prince’s cause and the people’s plight.
     • By the end, the Swallow becomes compassionate and self-sacrificing, staying till his last breath.
   Answer: The Swallow’s character undergoes a transformation from being initially focused on his own plans to feeling empathy for the Prince’s mission. Although he initially intended to migrate to Egypt, he becomes moved by the Prince’s compassion for the needy and decides to stay and help. By the end, the Swallow has embraced self-sacrifice and compassion, choosing to stay with the Prince till his last breath, thus embodying true friendship and dedication.
5. How does Oscar Wilde use symbolism in “The Happy Prince” to convey moral lessons?
   • Value Points:
     • The statue symbolizes the transition from material beauty to spiritual goodness.
     • Jewels and gold represent material wealth, which the Prince sheds to help the needy.
     • The Swallow symbolizes loyalty and sacrifice, staying behind despite personal cost.
     • The transformation of the Prince and Swallow symbolizes the triumph of compassion over self-interest.
   Answer: Oscar Wilde uses symbolism effectively in “The Happy Prince” to convey moral lessons. The statue symbolizes the Prince’s transition from material beauty and luxury to spiritual goodness as he sheds his wealth to help the needy. Jewels and gold symbolize material wealth, which loses its value compared to compassion and kindness. The Swallow, through his loyalty and self-sacrifice, embodies friendship and dedication. Their transformation highlights the triumph of compassion and selflessness over self-interest, emphasizing that true value lies in helping others rather than in material possessions.