The Star-Child by Oscar Wilde (1885)

Name: The Star-Child
Author: Oscar Wilde

Two poor woodcutters discover a beautiful child wrapped in a golden cloak in the forest during a harsh winter. One woodcutter decides to take the child home, despite their poverty. The child, known as the Star-Child, grows up in the woodcutter's household, becoming increasingly beautiful but also proud and cruel. He mistreats the other village children and shows no compassion for the less fortunate. One day, a beggar-woman, who is actually the Star-Child's mother, recognizes him by the signs he bears. When she approaches him, he rejects her, ashamed of her beggar status. This rejection leads to a transformation; the Star-Child's beauty fades, and he becomes ugly in appearance. Realizing his wrongdoing, he sets out to find his mother and seek her forgiveness. For three years, he wanders the world, facing mockery and hardship. During his journey, he encounters a leper and a hare, both of whom he helps, demonstrating his growth in compassion. Each time he helps them, they assist him in finding pieces of gold that he needs to satisfy a cruel magician who has enslaved him. Ultimately, after a series of trials, the Star-Child learns the value of kindness and humility. He finds his mother again, but she remains silent, reflecting his earlier rejection. In a moment of deep sorrow, he begs for forgiveness, and through his humility, he is restored to his former beauty. He learns that his mother is a queen, and he is the rightful heir to a kingdom. As king, he rules with justice and mercy, ensuring that no one suffers as he once did. However, his reign is short-lived due to the weight of his past suffering. After three years, he dies, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and kindness, but his kingdom soon falls back into cruelty.

By Oscar Wilde · First published 1885 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Allegory · 7,551 words

First lines

To Miss Margot Tennant,Mrs. Asquith

Once upon a time two poor Woodcutters were making their way home through a great pine-forest. It was winter, and a night of bitter cold. The snow lay thick upon the ground, and upon the branches of the trees: the frost kept snapping the little twigs on either side of them, as they passed: and when they came to the Mountain-Torrent she was hanging motionless in air, for the Ice-King had kissed her.

What this Textopian page supports

The Star-Child is listed on Textopian as a novella by Oscar Wilde, dated 1885 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Oscar Wilde
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Allegory, Children's Literature, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 7,551 words
Structure: 1 section, 130 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this novella by Oscar Wilde fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements, such as the Star-Child's origin and transformation, and the presence of mystical beings.
Fairy Tale — The narrative structure and moral lessons align with traditional fairy tales, including themes of redemption and transformation.
Allegory — The story serves as an allegory for themes of pride, compassion, and the consequences of one's actions.
Children's Literature — The story is suitable for children, conveying moral lessons through a simple yet profound narrative.