The Works of Oscar Wilde
The Canterville Ghost (1887) — A family moves into an old house despite warnings not to and finds it is haunted by the ghost of a man who killed his wife. Virginia becomes friends with the ghost and helps him cross over into the afterlife. After escorting him, Virginia returns unharmed.
The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1888) — The Happy Prince both criticizes society and shows compassion for those in it. It is a fairy tale about a man who helps others at his own expense. The prince befriends a swallow, a bird who is stubborn and only helps out of curiosity, but eventually finds joy in helping people. The story has been reproduced many times on stage and even in animated films for kids because of the morals it imparts. It was published along with other tales which have gotten the same treatment, such as, “The Selfish Giant”.
The Model Millionaire (1888) — A man, Hughie, wants to marry, but the father of the one he loves won’t allow it because of his pitiful financial circumstances. Hughie goes to visit his friend, who is a painter, and finds him painting a portrait of a beggar. Hughie only has one coin which he intended to use for transportation, but resolves to walk awhile in order to give it to the beggar who needs it worse. The beggar turns out to be rich, only having the portrait made for fun. He gives Hughie a large sum of money and this satisfies the father.
