Oscar Wilde’s Story, ‘The Nightingale and the Rose’

The selfless love of a nightingale for a lowly student makes the world a better place.

A nightingale hears the plight of a poor student and gives the ultimate gift. Victor Tyakht/Shutterstock

When we look upon a red rose, thoughts of love arise. As a rose is beautiful and delicate, so also is love. However, love can also bring pain.

In his short story “The Nightingale and the Rose,” Oscar Wilde weaves a tale that indelibly binds thoughts of love with the image of the rose. As the nightingale finds a red rose, Wilde shows how selfless giving is a manifestation of true love.

No Rose

On a cold, wintery day, a young student laments that he has no red roses in his garden, for he needs a red rose to woo the fair young lady whom he loves. If he brings one to the ball, the lady will dance with him all night.