C10 Long - Answer Type Questions | The Happy Prince

LONG-ANSWER TYPE TEXTUAL QUESTIONS

Chapter # 1 : The Happy Prince 

1. Why was the prince called the Happy Prince?

Ans. The prince was dubbed "the Happy Prince" by his courtiers because he was constantly cheerful. The Prince lived in a palace. No sorrow was allowed to enter thete. He never had a taste of sorrow. He did not know what tears were. He always remained happy. Thus he lived, and thus he died. 

2. "I cannot not choose but weep." Why did the Happy Prince say so ? 

Ans. The statue of the Happy Prince had been set up very high. He could see the ugliness of the city and the misery of the poor people. But he could not move from his place. His feet were fastened to the pedestal. Thus, he could not choose but weep.

3. Comment on the remark --  'The living beings always think that gold can make them happy,"

Ans. The living beings always think that gold can make them happy." Many living beings are inherently greedy and never satisfied. The more they have, the more they want. They think that happiness comes with gold and money. But this is not true. Real happiness lies in empathy and contentment. A sympathetic and contented heart enjoys real joy.

4. Why did the mayor dislike the statue so much?

Ans. The Mayor disliked the statue of the Happy Prince because it had lost its gold leaves, ruby, and sapphires, making it look dull, grey, and unattractive, similar to a beggar. This drastic change in appearance led the Mayor and Town Councillors to decide to pull it down, as it no longer represented beauty or value to them. They were more concerned with outward appearances and public image, failing to see the true worth of the statue, which had brought happiness to the poor and needy through the sacrifices of the Happy Prince.

*Key Reasons for the Mayor's Dislike:*

a) Loss of Valuable Ornaments: The statue lost its gold leaves, ruby-studded sword hilt, and sapphire eyes, which were its most attractive features.

b) Change in Appearance: Without its valuable ornaments, the statue looked shabby and unattractive, no longer fitting the Mayor's idea of beauty.

c) Superficial Values: The Mayor and Town Councillors prioritized outward appearances and public image over the statue's true value, which lay in the happiness it brought to others.

5. Write a short note on the suffering of the poor people in the city.

Ans.The poor people in the city lived a miserable life. There was a poor seamstress. She had nothing to give her son who was sick. There was a student with no firewood to keep himself warm. There was a match girl who had no shoes or stockings. There were hungry and homeless children. There was ugliness and misery everywhere.

6. What is the message conveyed by the author?

Ans. The author brings out the secret of true happiness. True happiness comes from serving the poor and the needy. God rewards selfless acts. Clear from the examples of the Happy Prince, who gives his all for the sake of others. The Happy Prince gets a place in God's Paradise.

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