The Devoted Friend by Oscar Wilde is a captivating fairy tale that explores the deceptive nature of friendship. The story revolves around the relationship between a Miller named Hugh and his supposed friend Hans. It was first published in the collection “The Happy Prince and Other Tales” in 1888.
The allegorical nature of the story has been a topic of discussion among literary scholars and enthusiasts for decades. Many have interpreted the story as a commentary on the exploitative nature of capitalism and the dangers of blind loyalty. The story’s central theme, which is the idea that true friendship should be based on mutual respect and trust, is still relevant today.
Overview of ‘The Devoted Friend’
‘The Devoted Friend’ is a fairy tale written by Oscar Wilde, first published in the collection ‘The Happy Prince and Other Tales’ in 1888. The story follows the friendship between a Miller named Hugh and a poor gardener named Hans.
The tale is an allegory that explores themes of friendship, trust, and exploitation. It highlights the deceptive nature of relationships, particularly those that are one-sided. The story is narrated by a Water-rat, who declares that there is nothing nobler or rarer than a devoted friendship.
Throughout the story, Wilde uses animal characters to represent different human traits and personalities. For example, the Miller is depicted as a greedy and selfish character, while Hans is portrayed as a kind and generous person who is taken advantage of by the Miller.
‘The Devoted Friend’ is a cautionary tale that teaches readers about the dangers of blind trust and the importance of being aware of one’s own interests in relationships. It also highlights the need for balance in friendships and the importance of mutual respect and understanding.
Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that has been used for centuries to convey complex ideas and themes in a more accessible manner. It is a form of extended metaphor in which characters, events, and settings represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.
In literature, allegory is often used to explore themes such as love, friendship, betrayal, and morality. It allows authors to create a story that can be interpreted on multiple levels, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the text.
One of the most famous examples of allegory in literature is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which uses a group of farm animals to represent the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the early years of the Soviet Union. Another example is Dante’s Divine Comedy, which uses a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven to explore the nature of sin, redemption, and salvation.
In Oscar Wilde’s “The Devoted Friend,” the allegory is used to explore the nature of friendship and the dangers of exploitation. The character of Little Hans represents the innocent and naive individual who is taken advantage of by those who claim to be his friends. The Miller, on the other hand, represents the selfish and manipulative individual who is willing to exploit others for his own gain.
Main Themes and Allegorical Meanings
“The Devoted Friend” by Oscar Wilde is a satirical fairy tale that explores several themes and allegorical meanings. The story revolves around the friendship between a poor peasant named Hans and a wealthy miller named Hugh.
One of the main themes of the story is the exploitation of the poor by the rich. The miller, Hugh, takes advantage of Hans’ kindness and naivety to get him to perform various tasks for him without any compensation. This highlights the unequal distribution of power and wealth in society.
Another important theme in the story is the corrupting influence of power. As Hugh becomes more powerful, he becomes increasingly selfish and manipulative, eventually leading to the tragic end of the story. This theme serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and greed.
The story also contains several allegorical meanings. For example, Hugh can be seen as a symbol for the ruling class, while Hans represents the working class. The story’s critique of the exploitation of the poor by the rich can be seen as a commentary on the social and economic inequalities of Wilde’s time.
Character Analysis and Symbolism
Hans
Hans is the main character in “The Devoted Friend” and is portrayed as a kind-hearted and naive boy who always tries to help others. He is a symbol of innocence and purity, which is contrasted with the greed and selfishness of the Miller. Hans is also a symbol of the lower class, who are often exploited by the wealthy and powerful. He is easily manipulated by the Miller, who takes advantage of his kindness and willingness to please others.
The Miller
The Miller is the antagonist in the story and is portrayed as a greedy and manipulative merchant who exploits Hans’s kindness in the name of friendship. He is a symbol of the upper class, who often exploit the lower class for their own gain. The Miller’s wealth and power give him an advantage over Hans, which he uses to his advantage. He is also a symbol of the corrupt nature of society, which often values wealth and power over kindness and compassion.
Moral Lessons in ‘The Devoted Friend’
‘The Devoted Friend’ by Oscar Wilde is filled with moral lessons that are conveyed through the actions and dialogue of the characters. The story is an allegory that highlights the negative aspects of friendship and the dangers of blindly following moral teachings.
One of the most prominent moral lessons in the story is the idea that true friendship should be based on equality and mutual respect. The Miller, who claims to be Hans’ devoted friend, takes advantage of Hans’ kindness and generosity by constantly asking for favors and gifts. This unequal relationship ultimately leads to Hans’ downfall, as he is left with nothing after giving all that he had to the Miller.
Another important moral lesson in the story is the danger of blindly following moral teachings without questioning their validity. The Miller, who is portrayed as a self-righteous and hypocritical character, constantly preaches about the importance of being a devoted friend and helping others. However, his actions do not align with his words, as he takes advantage of Hans’ kindness and ultimately causes his demise.
Finally, ‘The Devoted Friend’ teaches us that appearances can be deceiving. The Miller, who appears to be a loyal and trustworthy friend, is revealed to be a selfish and manipulative character. Meanwhile, Hans, who is portrayed as a simple and naive peasant, is actually a kind and generous person who is taken advantage of by the Miller.
Oscar Wilde’s Writing Style
Oscar Wilde was known for his unique writing style, which was characterized by his use of wit, humor, and satire. He often used allegory to convey deeper meanings in his stories, as he did in “The Devoted Friend.” His use of language was both ornate and poetic, with a focus on the aesthetic qualities of words and phrases.
Wilde’s writing was also marked by his use of paradox and irony. He often used these literary devices to challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms. This is evident in “The Devoted Friend,” where he uses the story of Hans and the Miller to critique the idea of friendship and the unequal power dynamics that can exist within it.
In addition to his use of language and literary devices, Wilde’s writing was also notable for its social commentary. He used his stories to critique Victorian society and its values, particularly its obsession with wealth and status. This is evident in “The Devoted Friend,” where he exposes the hypocrisy of the Miller’s supposed friendship with Hans.
Historical Context of the Story
The Devoted Friend by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1888 as part of the collection The Happy Prince and Other Tales. The story was written during the Victorian era, a time when the social structure of England was rigidly divided between the rich and the poor.
During this period, the rich often took advantage of the poor, and the story reflects this reality. The Miller, who is the rich character in the story, exploits his poor friend Hans for his own benefit.
The story also reflects the prevailing attitudes towards friendship during the Victorian era. Friendship was highly valued, but it was often seen as a means to an end. The Miller claims to be Hans’ friend, but he only uses him for his own gain.
Comparisons to Other Wilde Works
In “The Devoted Friend,” Oscar Wilde uses his characteristic wit and satire to explore the theme of friendship. The story is reminiscent of other works by Wilde, particularly his fairy tales, such as “The Happy Prince,” “The Nightingale and the Rose,” and “The Selfish Giant.”
Like these other stories, “The Devoted Friend” employs allegory to convey its message. In each story, Wilde creates a fantastical world in which animals and inanimate objects have human-like qualities and engage in moral dilemmas. This technique allows Wilde to critique society and its values in a way that is both playful and profound.
However, unlike some of Wilde’s other works, “The Devoted Friend” is not a straightforward critique of society. Instead, it is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The story raises questions about the nature of friendship and the ways in which power dynamics can influence these relationships.
Influence on Modern Literature
Oscar Wilde’s “The Devoted Friend” has had a significant impact on modern literature. The allegory has been widely studied and analyzed, inspiring many writers to incorporate similar themes and motifs into their own works.
One notable example is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which uses anthropomorphism to satirize political systems and human nature. Similarly, “The Devoted Friend” uses animal characters to explore themes of friendship, greed, and betrayal.
The story has also influenced contemporary children’s literature, with authors such as Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling incorporating similar elements of fantasy and moral lessons into their works.