“The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

“The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1891 within the short story collection Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories. This collection, known for its dark wit and allegorical themes, features characters who grapple with morality, fate, and the pursuit of beauty, making “The Fisherman and His Soul” a thematically fitting contribution.

Main Events in “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

• The Young Fisherman’s Routine:
  • Every evening, he goes fishing on the sea, selling his catch in the market.
  • His catch varies depending on the wind direction.
• The Encounter with the Mermaid:
  • One evening, he finds a sleeping Mermaid in his net, captivated by her beauty.
  • Despite her initial fear, he makes a deal with her to sing for him whenever he calls.
• The Mermaid’s Songs:
  • She sings of the wonders of the sea and its inhabitants.
  • Her songs enchant him, distracting him from his fishing duties.
• The Fisherman’s Obsession:
  • He falls deeply in love with the Mermaid, desiring to make her his bride.
  • He becomes increasingly infatuated, neglecting his fishing and worldly responsibilities.
• The Fisherman’s Desire to Rid Himself of His Soul:
  • The Fisherman becomes desperate to be with the Mermaid and seeks to rid himself of his soul.
  • He consults a Witch who agrees to help him for a price.
• The Witch’s Offer and the Fisherman’s Agreement:
  • The Witch demands a dance with him as payment for her assistance.
  • Despite his reluctance, he agrees to the dance and her conditions.
• The Dance and Revelation:
  • During the dance, the Fisherman experiences a sense of foreboding.
  • He encounters a mysterious man who disturbs him.
  • The witches flee when he invokes the holy name, leaving the Fisherman with the Witch who reveals the method to rid himself of his soul.
• The Fisherman’s Final Decision:
  • Despite his Soul’s pleas, the Fisherman decides to proceed with the ritual.
  • He cuts away his shadow, which represents his soul, and bids it to leave him.
  • His Soul, fearing the world’s cruelty, begs for his heart, but he refuses.
  • Ultimately, he sends his Soul away, feeling a sense of awe and finality.
• Conclusion:
  • The Fisherman parts ways with his Soul, choosing love and desire over his own humanity.
  • The consequences of his decision remain unknown, leaving the outcome open to interpretation.

Literary Devices in “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

1. Alliteration: “green viper’s skin” – repetition of the “s” sound.
2. Allusion: The story alludes to themes of love, desire, and the supernatural.
3. Anaphora: “Get thee gone” – repetition of the phrase for emphasis.
4. Assonance: “low and flute-like” – repetition of the “o” sound.
5. Consonance: “stood before him” – repetition of the “d” sound.
6. Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line or stanza without a pause.
7. Foreshadowing: The Fisherman’s decision to rid himself of his soul foreshadows future consequences.
8. Hyperbole: “He crept back, and thrust the knife into his belt” – exaggerated action for emphasis.
9. Irony: The Fisherman’s rejection of his Soul and subsequent feeling of awe.
10. Metaphor: “his shadow, which represents his soul” – comparing the shadow to the soul.
11. Onomatopoeia: “murmured” – a word that imitates the sound it represents.
12. Oxymoron: “low and flute-like” – contrasting qualities used to describe the Soul’s voice.
13. Paradox: The Fisherman’s desire to be with the Mermaid conflicting with his decision to rid himself of his soul.
14. Personification: The Soul speaking and being described with human-like qualities.
15. Repetition: The repetition of “Get thee gone” and “let me see thy face no more” for emphasis.
16. Simile: “His face was as pale as a flower” – comparing the man’s face to a flower for emphasis.
17. Symbolism: The knife with its handle of green viper’s skin symbolizes the Fisherman’s desire to rid himself of his soul.
18. Synecdoche: “lips hardly moved while it spake” – referring to the Soul’s entire body through a part.
19. Tone: The tone shifts from commanding to pleading as the Fisherman interacts with his Soul.
20. Understatement: Downplaying the significance of the Soul’s departure by the Fisherman.

Characterization in “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Major Characters:

1. The Young Fisherman:
   • Description: He is the protagonist of the story, depicted as a skilled fisherman who encounters a mermaid and makes a pact with her.
   • Personality Traits: Determined, curious, romantic, conflicted.
   • Details from the Story: He shows determination in catching fish and curiosity in his interaction with the mermaid. His romantic nature is evident in his desire to be with the mermaid, even at the cost of his soul. However, he becomes conflicted when faced with the consequences of his actions.
2. The Mermaid:
   • Description: A beautiful sea creature with golden hair, silver and pearl tail, and enchanting voice.
   • Personality Traits: Enchanting, fearful, pleading.
   • Details from the Story: The mermaid’s enchanting appearance and voice captivate the young fisherman. Despite her fear and initial resistance, she pleads with him to release her, revealing her royal lineage.
3. The Soul:
   • Description: The spiritual essence of the young fisherman.
   • Personality Traits: Pleading, persistent.
   • Details from the Story: The soul of the young fisherman is depicted as a separate character with its own desires and fears. It pleads with the fisherman not to send it away and expresses a desire to remain with him.

Minor Characters:

1. The Priest:
   • Description: A religious figure who advises the young fisherman against giving up his soul.
   • Personality Traits: Stern, judgmental.
   • Details from the Story: The priest warns the young fisherman about the consequences of giving up his soul, emphasizing the sanctity and value of the soul.
2. The Witch:
   • Description: A mysterious figure who offers magical solutions to the young fisherman’s dilemma.
   • Personality Traits: Mysterious, manipulative.
   • Details from the Story: The witch offers magical solutions to the young fisherman’s dilemma, but her motives and intentions remain ambiguous. She represents temptation and the allure of the supernatural.
3. The Man in Black Velvet:
   • Description: A mysterious figure who observes the young fisherman’s actions.
   • Personality Traits: Mysterious, ominous.
   • Details from the Story: The man in black velvet appears as a mysterious observer, casting a sense of foreboding over the young fisherman’s decision to rid himself of his soul.

Major Themes in “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

1. Temptation and Desire: One of the central themes of the story is the allure of temptation and desire. The young fisherman’s encounter with the beautiful mermaid represents the seductive power of desire. Despite warnings and advice from the priest and others, he becomes enamored with the mermaid’s beauty and is willing to sacrifice his soul to be with her. This temptation ultimately leads him into a moral dilemma, highlighting the conflict between earthly desires and spiritual fulfillment.
2. The Conflict of Morality: Wilde delves into the complex interplay between morality and personal desires. The young fisherman grapples with the moral implications of his actions, torn between his love for the mermaid and the warnings of the priest about the sanctity of the soul. His decision to cut away his soul reflects the internal struggle between his desires and his conscience. This conflict underscores the ethical dilemmas individuals face when confronted with competing values and desires.
3. The Nature of Identity: Another significant theme explored in the story is the nature of identity and self-discovery. By separating himself from his soul, the young fisherman embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the essence of his identity and existence. The soul, portrayed as a distinct entity, represents the spiritual aspect of the fisherman’s identity, while his physical self symbolizes his earthly desires and attachments. Through his journey, the fisherman grapples with the complexities of his dual nature, ultimately seeking reconciliation between his physical and spiritual selves.
4. Redemption and Sacrifice: A theme of redemption and sacrifice pervades the narrative as the young fisherman seeks to reclaim his lost soul. His journey to retrieve his soul represents a quest for redemption and spiritual enlightenment. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and temptations, testing his resolve and commitment to his moral principles. Ultimately, his willingness to sacrifice his own desires for the greater good underscores the transformative power of selflessness and the possibility of redemption even after succumbing to temptation.

Writing Style in “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

• Rich Descriptive Imagery: Wilde’s writing style in “The Fisherman and His Soul” is characterized by rich descriptive imagery that vividly brings the story’s fantastical elements to life. From the picturesque depiction of the sea to the ethereal beauty of the mermaid, Wilde employs intricate and evocative descriptions to immerse readers in the story’s magical world.
• Symbolism and Allegory: The narrative is laden with symbolism and allegory, enriching the story with deeper layers of meaning. The mermaid symbolizes earthly desires and temptation, while the fisherman’s soul represents his spiritual essence. Through these symbolic elements, Wilde explores complex themes such as morality, identity, and redemption, inviting readers to reflect on deeper philosophical concepts.
• Elevated Language and Dialogue: Wilde’s writing style is characterized by elevated language and dialogue, reflecting the story’s fairy tale-like quality. The characters speak in a formal and poetic manner, contributing to the story’s ethereal atmosphere. This elevated language not only enhances the story’s aesthetic appeal but also underscores its timeless and universal themes.
• Narrative Intricacy and Allegorical Elements: The narrative intricacy of “The Fisherman and His Soul” is notable, as Wilde weaves together multiple layers of meaning and allegorical elements. Through the protagonist’s journey and encounters, Wilde explores profound philosophical questions about human nature, morality, and the pursuit of desires. The story’s allegorical elements invite readers to interpret its themes in various ways, fostering deeper engagement and contemplation.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story
Psychoanalytic Theory	Through a psychoanalytic lens, “The Fisherman and His Soul” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the internal struggle between primal desires and societal expectations. The fisherman’s desire to rid himself of his soul reflects a subconscious desire to free himself from the constraints of morality and indulge in his deepest desires without guilt.	The fisherman’s willingness to part with his soul in exchange for worldly pleasures symbolizes the unconscious conflicts within the human psyche. His struggle to reconcile his desires with societal norms is evident in his interactions with the witch and the priest.
Marxist Criticism	Marxist criticism of the story focuses on themes of power, class struggle, and exploitation. The characters can be seen as representing different social classes, with the fisherman representing the proletariat and the witch symbolizing the bourgeoisie who exploit his desires for their own gain. The story critiques the commodification of desires and the unequal distribution of wealth and power.	The merchants’ refusal to buy the fisherman’s soul for a fair price reflects the exploitation of labor by capitalist forces. The fisherman’s desire to rid himself of his soul can be interpreted as a rebellion against societal structures that oppress and exploit him.
Feminist Criticism	From a feminist perspective, “The Fisherman and His Soul” can be analyzed in terms of gender roles, power dynamics, and agency. The mermaid and the witch represent contrasting female archetypes: the passive, idealized object of desire and the powerful, manipulative figure. The story reflects patriarchal notions of femininity and explores the consequences of male desire and control over female agency.	The mermaid’s lack of agency and dependence on the fisherman for salvation highlights traditional gender roles and power imbalances. The witch, on the other hand, embodies a more assertive and independent female character who challenges societal expectations and exerts control over the fisherman’s fate.
Structuralist Analysis	A structuralist analysis of the story focuses on narrative structure, symbolism, and binary oppositions. “The Fisherman and His Soul” can be interpreted as a journey of self-discovery and transformation, characterized by a series of binary oppositions such as innocence and experience, desire and morality, and freedom and constraint. The narrative structure reflects universal patterns and archetypes found in myths and folktales.	The contrast between the sea and the land symbolizes the dichotomy between the fisherman’s earthly desires and spiritual aspirations. The binary opposition between the mermaid and the witch represents conflicting aspects of the fisherman’s psyche, driving his internal conflict and quest for self-realization.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Love and Sacrifice	How does the fisherman’s love for the mermaid lead to his downfall?	“In ‘The Fisherman and His Soul’, Oscar Wilde explores the destructive power of all-consuming love, as the fisherman’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the mermaid ultimately leads to his loss of identity and humanity.”
Identity and Humanity	What does the fisherman’s transformation into a sea creature reveal about the nature of identity and humanity?	“Through the fisherman’s transformation, Wilde highlights the fluidity of identity and the tension between human and animal instincts, suggesting that our humanity is fragile and easily lost.”
Moral Ambiguity	How does the story challenge traditional notions of good and evil?	“In ‘The Fisherman and His Soul’, Wilde subverts traditional moral binaries, presenting a narrative where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and the protagonist’s pursuit of love and happiness leads to a morally complex and tragic outcome.”
Symbolism and Folklore	What role do the mermaid and the sea play as symbols in the story?	“The mermaid and the sea in ‘The Fisherman and His Soul’ serve as potent symbols of the unknown, the unconscious, and the allure of the exotic, drawing on folkloric traditions to explore the human condition and the dangers of desire.”

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Works Similar to “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

1. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde: Another work by Oscar Wilde, this novel explores themes of morality, vanity, and the consequences of pursuing one’s desires without regard for ethical boundaries. Like “The Fisherman and His Soul,” it delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the conflict between societal norms and personal freedom.
2. “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: This short story explores themes of perfection, obsession, and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Similar to Wilde’s tale, it delves into the consequences of trying to alter or transcend natural limitations and the hubris involved in attempting to achieve perfection.
3. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: Poe’s classic short story delves into themes of guilt, obsession, and the human psyche. Like “The Fisherman and His Soul,” it explores the psychological consequences of internal conflict and the haunting presence of one’s own conscience.
4. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka: Kafka’s novella follows the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. Similar to Wilde’s tale, it explores themes of identity, transformation, and the existential struggle to reconcile one’s inner self with external expectations.
5. “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson: Stevenson’s novella delves into the duality of human nature and the struggle between good and evil. Like “The Fisherman and His Soul,” it explores the consequences of indulging in one’s darker impulses and the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Books:

• Wilde, Oscar. “The Fisherman and His Soul.” The Complete Shorter Fiction of Oscar Wilde. Edited by Isobel Murray, Oxford University Press, 2001.

Articles:

• Nassaar, Christopher S. “Andersen’s” The Shadow” and Wilde’s” The Fisherman and His Soul”: A Case of Influence.” Nineteenth-Century Literature 50.2 (1995): 217-224.
• Caizergues, Quentin. “‘The Fisherman and his Soul’Revalued: A Significant and Singular Fairy Tale in Oscar Wilde’s Work.” (2022).
• Al-Attar, Jameela Khedher. “” And They Died Happily Ever After”: The Subversion of the Eros and Thanatos Symbols in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tale” The Fisherman and his Soul.” Journal of Al-Ma’moon College 15-E (2010).
• Bernardo, Susan M. “Nowhere to Go: Caught Between Nature and Culture in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales.” Victorian Environmental Nightmares (2019): 227-242.

Websites:

• Wilde, Oscar. “The Fisherman and His Soul.” Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/902. Accessed 25 April 2024.

Representative Quotations from “The Fisherman and His Soul” by Oscar Wilde

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“Every evening the young Fisherman went out upon the sea, and threw his nets into the water.”	The opening sentence of the story, setting the scene for the Fisherman’s daily routine.	Establishes the Fisherman’s connection to the sea and his occupation.
“She sang of the Sea-folk who drive their flocks from cave to cave, and carry the little calves on their shoulders…”	The Mermaid’s song, describing the wonders of the underwater world.	Highlights the allure and magic of the sea and its inhabitants.
“Thou hast a human soul… If only thou would’st send away thy soul, then could I love thee.”	The Mermaid’s condition for loving the Fisherman.	Introduces the conflict between human and non-human love, and the soul as a barrier.
“Of what use is my soul to me? I cannot see it. I may not touch it. I do not know it.”	The Fisherman’s lament to the Priest and later to the Witch.	Shows the Fisherman’s frustration with the intangibility of his soul and his desire to prioritize his love for the Mermaid.
“The love of the body is vile… Accursed be the Fauns of the woodland, and accursed be the singers of the sea!”	The Priest’s condemnation of the Fisherman’s desire.	Represents the societal and religious norms that reject non-human love and desire.