Lesson – 10

The Prince and the Swallow

- Oscar Wilde

I. Synonyms:

1. sword-hilt - the handle of a sword

2. reputation - an opinion that people hold about somebody

3. weathercock - a metal pointer on the top of a building which shows the

direction of the wind

4. trifling - treating something as unimportant

5. seamstress - a woman who earns a living by sewing and making clothes

6. maids-of-honour - unmarried women who work for queens or princesses’

7. pedestal - the base or column for a statue

8. agility - swiftness

9. cathedral - a church

10. masts - tall poles on which the ship’s sails are hung

11. thimble - a small metal cap to protect finger while sewing

12. slumber - sleep

II. Antonyms:

1. gilded x uncovered

2. impractical x practical
 3. alighted x arose

4. coarse x smooth

5. warm x cold

III. Answer the following questions:

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

Ans: The little swallow was alone in the city because he stayed behind for, he was in love

with the most beautiful Reed. His companions had left for Egypt six weeks before as it was

very cold there in the city.

2.Describe the statue of the Happy Prince.

Ans: The statue of the Happy Prince was as beautiful as a weathercock according to one of the

Town Councillors. The statue stood high above the city covered all over with thin leaves of

fine gold. For eyes, he had two bright sapphires and a large red ruby on the handle of his

sword.

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

Ans: The statue wanted the swallow to fly away with the red ruby and give it to the poor

seamstress who was tired of doing the work but could not provide proper food and medicine to

her ill child.

4.Did the Swallow agree to help the statue right away? What did he say?
Ans: The Swallow did not agree to help the statue right away. The Swallow said that he had to

leave for Egypt and could not stay back and help.

5.Why did the Swallow finally agree to help the statue?

Ans: The Swallow finally looking at the sad Prince agreed to take the ruby to the seamstress

and stay for the night with him though it was very cold for him to spend the night in.

B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.

1. “He is as beautiful as the weathercock”

a. Who said this?

Ans: One of the Town Councillors said this.

b. Why did he say it?

Ans: He said this because he wished to gain a reputation for having an artistic taste.

c. What else did he say?

Ans: He said ‘Only not quite so useful’, fearing that people would think that he was

impractical.
2. “and how wonderful is the power of love!”

a. Who said this?

Ans: The companion of the beautiful girl said this.

b. What was the listener’s response to this?

Ans: The listener responded that she hoped her dress would be ready in time for the state ball.

She had ordered passion-flowers to be embroidered on it but the seamstress was so lazy.

c. What is the significance of this line?

Ans: The significance of this line is that love is the most powerful thing in the world which

makes everything beautiful around it.