International Journal of Literature and Language Studies
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2026): International Journal of Literature and Language Studies

PHILOSOPHICAL AND AESTHETIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE IMAGE OF THE PROTAGONIST IN OSCAR WILDE'S THE HAPPY PRINCE

Rajabova Gulkhanim Bekmirza qizi (1st year Master’s degree student. Department of Foreign Languages and History. Asia International University)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article examines the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of the protagonist in Oscar Wilde's fairy tale The Happy Prince. The study explores how Wilde constructs the image of the Happy Prince as a complex symbolic figure embodying aesthetic beauty, moral consciousness, social responsibility, and spiritual transformation. Using philosophical hermeneutics, aesthetic criticism, and textual analysis, the research investigates the interaction between Victorian aestheticism and ethical humanism represented in the protagonist's character. The findings reveal that the Happy Prince undergoes a significant transformation from a passive symbol of material beauty into an active agent of compassion and sacrifice. The study demonstrates that Wilde challenges the doctrine of "Art for Art's Sake" by integrating ethical values into aesthetic experience. Through symbolism, allegory, and Christian motifs, the protagonist emerges as a multidimensional figure whose identity transcends conventional fairy-tale archetypes. The research concludes that the image of the Happy Prince represents Wilde's synthesis of beauty, morality, and social criticism, contributing to broader discussions in literary aesthetics and philosophical criticism.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijlls

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The mission of the International Journal of Literature and Language Studies (IJLLS) is to provide readers with the development of language studies in linguistics and literature. In addition to manuscripts that center on the study, we welcome manuscripts on a wide range of topics relating to the ...