“The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

“The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1888 in the collection The Happy Prince and Other Tales. This collection features five short stories, including “The Nightingale and the Rose”, which is a poignant and beautifully written tale about the sacrifice of a nightingale to create a red rose for a young student’s beloved. The story is set in a romantic and fantastical world, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of life. The context of the story reflects Wilde’s fascination with aestheticism and his critique of the social conventions of his time.

Main Events in “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

1. The Student’s Heartfelt Plea: The story begins with the young Student expressing his anguish over his inability to present a red rose to his beloved, which is essential for winning her affection.
2. The Nightingale’s Empathy: The Nightingale, moved by the Student’s genuine love, decides to help him despite the seemingly impossible task of finding a red rose.
3. The Nightingale’s Quest: Despite the challenges, the Nightingale tirelessly seeks a red rose, visiting multiple Rose-trees until finding one that promises a red rose at a grave cost.
4. The Sacrificial Nature of Love: The Nightingale’s willingness to sacrifice her life for the sake of the Student’s love demonstrates the theme of selflessness and the lengths to which love can drive someone.
5. The Symbolism of the Rose: The rose symbolizes both the purity and intensity of love. Its transformation from white to crimson reflects the progression of the Nightingale’s sacrifice and the depth of her love.
6. The Student’s Oblivion to True Love: Despite the Nightingale’s sacrifice, the Student fails to grasp the depth of her gesture, focusing instead on materialistic gestures and societal expectations.
7. The Tragic Ending: The Nightingale’s death and the rejection of the rose by the Professor’s daughter highlight the story’s poignant exploration of unrequited love and the often harsh realities of romantic pursuits.
8. The Student’s Epiphany: In the end, the Student’s disillusionment with love leads him back to the comfort of academia, symbolizing a loss of innocence and a return to a more pragmatic worldview.
9. The Moral of the Story: Through the Student’s journey and the Nightingale’s sacrifice, Wilde conveys the idea that true love is often unappreciated or misunderstood, highlighting the complexities and sacrifices inherent in romantic relationships.

Literary Devices in “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Device	Example	Explanation
Assonance	“…sang of the birth of love…”	Repetition of vowel sounds (“o”) for musicality.
Dramatic Irony	The student finds a red rose but doesn’t understand the sacrifice behind it.	The reader knows the significance of the rose, while the student remains ignorant.
Hyperbole	“…everybody knows that the arts are selfish…”	An exaggeration to emphasize the student’s view of art.
Imagery	“…a marvellous rose, petal followed petal, as song followed song…”	Vivid descriptions that engage the reader’s senses.
Juxtaposition	The student’s focus on practicality is placed next to the nightingale’s selfless act of love.	Creates a contrast between the two ways of living.
Metaphor	“…passion has made his face like pale ivory…”	Compares the student’s paleness to ivory, suggesting his emotional state.
Metonymy	“…the Chamberlain’s nephew has sent me some real jewels…”	Using a related term (“nephew”) to represent something else (wealth).
Onomatopoeia	“…Echo bore it to her purple cavern…” (indirect)	The word “purple” suggests a rich, echoing sound.
Personification	“…the thorn went deeper and deeper into her breast…”	Gives human qualities (deeper, into) to the thorn, which is non-human.
Simile	“…roses are white as white as the foam of the sea…”	Compares the whiteness of the roses to the whiteness of sea foam.
Symbolism	* The red rose symbolizes true love and sacrifice. * The nightingale represents selflessness and devotion.	The nightingale’s sacrifice to create the red rose represents the lengths true love can go to. The nightingale embodies the qualities of a devoted lover.
Synecdoche	“…a little Green Lizard…”	Using a part (“lizard”) to represent the whole (animal).
Allusion	“…like the crown of thorns…” (indirect)	A subtle reference to the suffering of Jesus Christ.
Foreshadowing	“…the thorn must pierce your heart, and your life-blood must flow into my veins…”	Hints at the nightingale’s future sacrifice.
Internal Rhyme	“…sweet scent of the hawthorn…”	Rhyming words within a line of poetry for musicality.
Oxymoron	“…Love is better than Life…”	Combining opposite ideas for emphasis.
Pathetic Fallacy	“…the Oak-tree understood…”	Ascribing human emotions to a non-human thing (tree).
Repetition	“…Night after night have I sung of him…”	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
Rhetorical Question	“…Is there any way by which I can get it?”	A question that doesn’t expect an answer, used for emphasis.
Understatement	“Death is a great price to pay for a red rose…”	Downplaying the significance of something to create a dramatic effect.

Characterization in “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

The Nightingale

• Selfless and sacrificial
• Symbolizes the depth of love and emotion
• Willing to give her life for the Student’s desire
• Represents the beauty and pain of love

The Nightingale is a symbol of selfless love and sacrifice. She is willing to give her life to create a red rose for the Student, demonstrating the depth of her emotions. For example, when the Rose Tree tells her that she must build the rose out of music by moonlight and stain it with her own heart’s blood, she accepts the challenge without hesitation. This selflessness is contrasted with the Student’s selfish and unappreciative nature, highlighting the beauty and pain of love.

The Student

• Selfish and unappreciative
• Obsessed with his love for the Professor’s daughter
• Indifferent to the Nightingale’s sacrifice
• Represents the cruel and superficial nature of human desire

The Student represents the selfish and cruel nature of human desire. He is obsessed with his love for the Professor’s daughter and only cares about his own desires, disregarding the Nightingale’s sacrifice. For instance, when he receives the red rose, he is overjoyed, but he does not stop to think about the cost of the Nightingale’s life. Instead, he is more concerned with impressing the Professor’s daughter and gaining her affection. This superficiality is further emphasized when the Professor’s daughter rejects the rose, valuing jewels over the Nightingale’s sacrifice.

The Professor’s Daughter

• Superficial and materialistic
• Values jewels over the Nightingale’s sacrifice
• Embodies the shallow nature of human desire
• Lacks empathy and understanding

The Professor’s Daughter embodies the superficial and materialistic nature of human desire. She values jewels over the Nightingale’s sacrifice, demonstrating her shallow and self-centered personality. This is evident when she rejects the Student’s gift, stating that “jewels cost far more than flowers.” This response highlights her lack of empathy and understanding, further emphasizing the cruel nature of human desire.

The Rose Trees

• Symbolize the natural world and the power of love
• Represent the beauty and wonder of creation
• Highlight the Nightingale’s sacrifice and the depth of love

The Rose Trees symbolize the natural world and the power of love. They represent the beauty and wonder of creation, and the Nightingale’s sacrifice is a testament to the depth of love and emotion.

The Oak Tree

• Wise and understanding
• Acknowledges the Nightingale’s sacrifice
• Represents the wisdom and compassion of nature

The Oak Tree is wise and understanding, acknowledging the Nightingale’s sacrifice and representing the wisdom and compassion of nature.

The Green Lizard, Butterfly, and Daisy

• Mock the Student’s sorrow, highlighting his self-absorption
• Represent the cruel and indifferent nature of the world
• Emphasize the Student’s lack of empathy and understanding

The Green Lizard, Butterfly, and Daisy serve as a foil to the Student’s sorrow, highlighting his self-absorption and lack of empathy. They mock his tears, demonstrating the cruel and indifferent nature of the world. This cruelty is further emphasized by the Student’s response, as he throws the rose away, disregarding the Nightingale’s sacrifice once again.

Major Themes in “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

1. The Sacrifice of True Love: One of the central themes in “The Nightingale and the Rose” is the idea of sacrifice for love. The nightingale’s selfless act of sacrificing her life to create a red rose for the Student embodies this theme. Despite knowing the fatal consequences, she chooses to undergo immense pain and ultimately gives her life to fulfill the Student’s desire. This sacrifice reflects the lengths to which individuals are willing to go for love, even at the cost of their own well-being.
2. The Illusion of Romantic Idealism: Wilde explores the theme of romantic idealism and its clash with reality. The Student’s obsession with obtaining a red rose to win the affection of his beloved reflects an idealized notion of love. However, his pursuit is met with rejection and disappointment when his gesture is dismissed by the Professor’s daughter. This highlights the discrepancy between the idealized version of love depicted in literature and the harsh realities of romantic relationships, underscoring the illusion of romantic ideals.
3. The Nature of Art and Creativity: Another theme present in the story is the nature of art and creativity. The Nightingale’s song and the creation of the red rose exemplify the transformative power of art. Through her sacrifice, the Nightingale becomes a symbol of artistic inspiration and creativity, demonstrating how art can transcend boundaries and evoke powerful emotions. Additionally, the story critiques the superficiality of materialism and the value society places on material possessions over genuine acts of creation and expression.
4. The Folly of Human Nature: “The Nightingale and the Rose” also delves into the folly of human nature, particularly the Student’s shortsightedness and superficiality. Despite the Nightingale’s sacrifice, the Student fails to recognize the true value of her gesture and remains oblivious to her sacrifice. His preoccupation with societal expectations and materialistic desires blinds him to the genuine love and sacrifice offered to him. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing superficial desires over deeper, meaningful connections.

Writing Style in “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

1. Aestheticism: Wilde was a leading figure in the Aesthetic movement, which emphasized art for art’s sake and beauty above all else. The story reflects this with its focus on the beauty of the rose and the nightingale’s song.
2. Rich vocabulary and figurative language: Wilde uses a vast vocabulary, filled with descriptive adjectives and adverbs. He also employs a multitude of figures of speech, like similes, metaphors, and personification, to paint vivid pictures and create a heightened emotional effect.
3. Dialogue-driven narrative: Much of the story unfolds through conversations between the Student and the Nightingale. This approach, reminiscent of Wilde’s background in plays, makes the story feel lively and engaging.
4. Epigrammatic wit: Wilde is known for his witty epigrams, short, clever statements with a paradoxical or ironic twist. While not as prominent as in some of his other works, traces of this wit can be found sprinkled throughout the story.
5. Here are some additional points to consider:
6. Parallelism: Wilde uses parallelism extensively, structuring sentences and paragraphs in similar ways, to create a sense of rhythm and emphasize key ideas.
7. Symbolism: The story is rich with symbolism. The rose represents love and beauty, the nightingale represents self-sacrifice and artistic expression, and the student embodies shallowness and superficiality.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example from the Story
Formalism	Formalism focuses on the text itself, emphasizing literary devices and structure. In “The Nightingale and the Rose,” formalist analysis might highlight Wilde’s use of vivid imagery and symbolism to convey themes of sacrifice and romantic idealism. For example, Wilde employs rich descriptions to evoke the nightingale’s sacrifice and the transformative power of love. The symbolism of the red rose represents true love, while the nightingale symbolizes selflessness and devotion.	The description of the nightingale’s sacrifice and the transformation of the rose, such as “petal followed petal, as song followed song,” showcases Wilde’s vivid imagery and symbolic language.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic criticism examines characters’ motives and behaviors through the lens of psychology, particularly Freudian concepts like the unconscious mind, desires, and repression. In “The Nightingale and the Rose,” the Student’s obsession with obtaining a red rose for his beloved can be analyzed through a psychoanalytic perspective. His fixation on the rose reflects his unconscious desires and his need for validation and acceptance. The rejection of the rose by the Professor’s daughter could symbolize the Student’s fear of rejection and insecurity in his romantic pursuits.	The Student’s intense desire for the red rose and his subsequent disappointment and anger when it is rejected by the girl demonstrate the psychoanalytic themes of desire, validation, and rejection.
Feminist Criticism	Feminist criticism explores gender dynamics, power structures, and representations of women in literature. In “The Nightingale and the Rose,” feminist analysis might focus on the portrayal of the nightingale and the Professor’s daughter. The nightingale’s sacrifice for the sake of the Student’s romantic pursuit raises questions about gender roles and the expectations placed on women to selflessly sacrifice for men. Additionally, the rejection of the rose by the girl highlights themes of agency and autonomy, challenging traditional notions of female passivity and objectification.	The nightingale’s willingness to sacrifice her life for the Student’s romantic endeavor and the girl’s dismissal of the rose despite the Student’s efforts exemplify feminist themes of self-sacrifice and agency.
Marxist Criticism	Marxist criticism examines literature through the lens of social and economic structures, focusing on issues of class, power, and exploitation. In “The Nightingale and the Rose,” Marxist analysis might explore themes of materialism and societal inequality. The Student’s pursuit of the red rose, driven by his desire to impress the girl, can be seen as a reflection of bourgeois values and consumerism. Meanwhile, the nightingale’s sacrifice for the Student highlights the exploitation of labor and the unequal distribution of resources.	The Student’s preoccupation with material possessions, as seen in his dismissal of the nightingale’s sacrifice and his focus on the value of jewels over the red rose, reflects Marxist themes of materialism and class disparity.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Love and Sacrifice	What is the significance of the Nightingale’s sacrifice in the story?	The Nightingale’s sacrifice represents the depth of love and emotion, highlighting the beauty and pain of selfless devotion.
Human Desire	How does the story critique the nature of human desire?	The story portrays human desire as cruel and superficial, emphasizing the selfish and unappreciative nature of the Student’s desire for the Professor’s daughter.
Beauty and Creation	What role does beauty play in the story?	Beauty is a central theme in the story, representing the power of love and creation, as seen in the Nightingale’s sacrifice and the creation of the red rose.
Empathy and Understanding	What message does the story convey about empathy and understanding?	The story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, critiquing the Student’s lack of compassion and the Professor’s daughter’s rejection of the Nightingale’s sacrifice.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Works Similar to “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

1. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: This classic short story revolves around a young couple, Jim and Della, who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy each other Christmas gifts. Like “The Nightingale and the Rose,” “The Gift of the Magi” explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the true value of gifts.
2. “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton: In this tale, a princess must decide the fate of her lover, who has been accused of a crime. She must choose between two doors: one concealing a fierce tiger and the other a beautiful lady. Like “The Nightingale and the Rose,” this story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of decision-making.
3. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: This story follows Madame Loisel, who borrows an expensive necklace to attend a high-society event, only to lose it. In her efforts to replace it, she sacrifices years of her life to repay the debt. Like “The Nightingale and the Rose,” “The Necklace” explores the consequences of desires and the illusion of happiness through material possessions.
4. “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry: In this poignant story, a young woman becomes gravely ill and loses hope, believing she will die when the last leaf falls from a vine outside her window. However, a neighboring artist paints a leaf on the wall to give her hope and ultimately saves her life. Like “The Nightingale and the Rose,” “The Last Leaf” explores themes of sacrifice, hope, and the power of art.
5. “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst: This emotionally charged story follows the relationship between two brothers, one of whom is born with disabilities. The older brother pushes his sibling to overcome his limitations, leading to a tragic ending. Like “The Nightingale and the Rose,” “The Scarlet Ibis” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of pushing someone beyond their limits.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Articles:

• Malcolm Miller. “‘The Nightingale and the Rose.’” Tempo, no. 190, 1994, pp. 30–31. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/945477. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
• FRANKEL, NICHOLAS, editor. “THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE ROSE.” The Short Stories of Oscar Wilde: An Annotated Selection, Harvard University Press, 2020, pp. 137–46. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv33wwtn7.10. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
• Rosenberry, Vera. “Illustrations for The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde.” The Georgia Review, vol. 34, no. 1, 1980, pp. 96–104. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41397908. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
• Young, Arthur M. “Of the Nightingale’s Song.” The Classical Journal, vol. 46, no. 4, 1951, pp. 181–84. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3293042. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Websites:

• Wilde, Oscar. “The Nightingale and the Rose.” The Short Stories of Oscar Wilde. Project Gutenberg,. This website offers a free online version of the story.
• SparkNotes Editors. “The Nightingale and the Rose by Oscar Wilde.” SparkNotes,. SparkNotes provides a summary and analysis of the story. However, it is recommended to consult scholarly sources for deeper analysis.

Books:

• Ellmann, Richard. Golden Codgers: Biographical Speculations. Viking, 1973.
• Hyde, Oscar. Oscar Wilde: A Biography. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1975. These are biographical sources that can provide context about Wilde’s life and works. For a more focused analysis of “The Nightingale and the Rose,” consider scholarly articles from reputable journals.

Representative Quotations from “The Nightingale and the Rose” by Oscar Wilde

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“She said that she would dance with me if I brought her red roses,” cried the young Student; “but in all my garden there is no red rose.”	The Student expresses his dilemma: he desires to dance with his beloved at the prince’s ball but lacks the essential red rose.	This quotation highlights the Student’s perception of love as contingent upon material possessions, reflecting a superficial understanding of love’s true essence. It also sets the stage for the Nightingale’s sacrifice.
“Why is he weeping?” asked a little Green Lizard, as he ran past him with his tail in the air.	The Student’s sorrow over not having a red rose is observed by the creatures of the garden, who find it absurd.	This quotation underscores the contrast between the Student’s worldly concerns and the natural world’s indifference to his romantic predicament. It suggests a critique of human priorities and values.
“Death is a great price to pay for a red rose,” cried the Nightingale, “and Life is very dear to all.”	The Nightingale hesitates to sacrifice herself for the creation of a red rose, recognizing the gravity of the act.	This quotation explores the theme of sacrifice and the value of life. It challenges the notion of love as an uncomplicated and selfless endeavor, highlighting the complexities inherent in romantic gestures.
“She has form,” he said to himself, as he walked away through the grove, “that cannot be denied her; but has she got feeling? I am afraid not.”	The Student reflects on the Nightingale’s sacrifice, questioning whether her actions were driven by genuine emotion or mere instinct.	This quotation reveals the Student’s skepticism toward the sincerity of artistic expression and selflessness. It reflects a utilitarian perspective that prioritizes practicality over emotional depth.
“What a silly thing Love is,” said the Student as he walked away. “It is not half as useful as Logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true.”	Disillusioned by his romantic disappointment, the Student disparages love as irrational and impractical.	This quotation epitomizes the Student’s transition from idealism to cynicism. It reflects a worldview grounded in rationality and logic, dismissing the emotional complexities of love as irrational and inconsequential.
“I am afraid it will not go with my dress,” she answered; “and, besides, the Chamberlain’s nephew has sent me some real jewels, and everybody knows that jewels cost far more than flowers.”	The girl dismisses the Student’s red rose, prioritizing material wealth and social status over sentimental gestures.	This quotation exposes the superficiality of the girl’s values and her preference for ostentatious displays of affection over genuine sentiment. It reflects a society that values material wealth and social standing above authentic expressions of love.
“What a pity it is that they do not mean anything, or do any practical good.”	The Student reflects on the Nightingale’s song, dismissing its beauty as devoid of meaning or utility.	This quotation encapsulates the Student’s reductionist view of art and love, viewing them solely through the lens of practicality and tangible benefits. It highlights the limitations of a worldview that fails to appreciate the intrinsic value of beauty and emotion.