the nightingale oscar wilde's the nightingale and the rose

As the Nightingale flies away, the Student writes down in his notebook that the Nightingale has lovely style and art but no feeling or deeper meaning. The Oak-tree, who recognizes that the Nightingale is about to sacrifice herself, asks her for one last song before she dies. The Student does not understand what the Nightingale is saying, as he only understands book knowledge. She flies back to the Student and tells him that she will bring him his red rose if he vows that he will always be a true lover. The Nightingale thinks of the many joys of life she would lose but is willing to die to help the Student. The Nightingale insists, and the Rose-tree replies that the Nightingale must sing all night and then pierce her heart with a thorn, as the tree needs “heart’s-blood” and music to create a rose. Seeing the Nightingale’s desperation, the tree says that there is a “terrible” way that the Nightingale could secure a rose. The Nightingale requests roses from another tree but is again denied, as this tree has only yellow roses.įinally, the Nightingale asks for roses from the red rose tree, but the tree explains that winter has killed all its buds. The tree refuses, replying that it only has white roses. When the Student begins to weep, the Lizard, Butterfly, and Daisy call him and the source of his distress “ridiculous.” The Nightingale, however, ponders “the mystery of Love” and then approaches a rose tree to request a red rose (60). He reflects that if he does not give her a red rose, she will reject him and break his heart. The Student continues his lament, explaining that the Prince is hosting a ball the next night and fantasizing about dancing with his love interest. She reflects that she has sung about the Student “night after night though know him not” and that he is a “true lover” (58).

A nightingale (“the Nightingale”) overhears the Student’s laments. Despite his great learning, his life is “wretched” due to this lack. The story opens with a student (“the Student”) lamenting that his unnamed love interest will only dance with him if he can give her a red rose, which he cannot find. However, this guide will refer to the collection by its original title, The Happy Prince and Other Tales.Ĭontent Warning: This study guide references institutionalized anti-gay sentiment-i.e., the criminalization of sexual relationships between men. This guide refers to the 2009 Puffin Classics edition of The Happy Prince and Other Stories.

The nightingale oscar wilde's the nightingale and the rose