ABSTRACT
The prince, Oscar Wilde's protagonist in The Happy Prince, had lived a carefree isolated life, and only after his death-becoming a magnificent statue-he discovered the poverty and misery in his city. He attempts to relieve this suffering with the help of his dedicated friend, the little Swallow, who is in love with him. Many generations of young and older readers were moved by The Happy Prince. Its sharp social critique, and the powerful description of the Prince's growth from careless hedonism toward human sensitivity and compassion, can arouse identification today as well. The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's brilliant illustrated story, became a best seller in the United States and elsewhere and certainly also moved many readers. It is a love story between a tree and a little boy. The beginning depicts a warm relationship, bringing happiness to both protagonists: the child swings from the tree's branches, plays and laughs, and sleeps in the tree's shade.
