Story Summary
Explore Oscar Wilde's The Devoted Friend, a biting satirical fable about a kind gardener exploited by a selfish miller under the guise of true loyalty and love.
Little Hans was a kind-hearted man who took great pride in his beautiful garden. His best friend, or so he thought, was the wealthy Miller. The Miller spoke eloquently about the beauty of friendship and the importance of sharing, but while Hans gave the Miller flowers and fruit, the Miller gave nothing in return. During the harsh winter, Hans suffered from hunger while the Miller stayed warm, claiming he didn't want to 'spoil' Hans by offering help. In the spring, the Miller promised Hans his old, broken wheelbarrow, using this 'gift' as leverage to make Hans perform grueling chores. Out of a sense of loyalty, Hans neglected his own garden to repair the Miller’s roof and drive his sheep. Finally, on a dark, stormy night, the Miller asked Hans to fetch a doctor for his sick son. Refusing to lend his lantern, the Miller sent Hans out into the moor. Hans lost his way in the gale and drowned in a deep hole. At the funeral, the Miller mourned the loss of the wheelbarrow more than his friend, proving that his devotion was merely a mask for selfishness.
The Moral
True friendship is defined by selfless actions and mutual sacrifice rather than grand, hypocritical speeches used to exploit others.
“Lots of people act well, but very few people talk well, which shows that talking is much the more difficult thing of the two.”
Fun Fact
Oscar Wilde included this story in his 1888 collection 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales,' using the fairy tale format to deliver sharp social critiques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Devoted Friend?
The moral is that true friendship is shown through deeds, not words. It warns against people who use the language of morality and friendship to manipulate and exploit those who are genuinely kind.
Who are the main characters in Oscar Wilde's The Devoted Friend?
The main characters are Little Hans, a selfless and hardworking gardener, and the Miller, a wealthy, manipulative man who hides his greed behind flowery speeches about devotion.
Is The Devoted Friend a satire?
Yes, it is a biting satire of Victorian social classes and hypocrisy. It critiques the way the wealthy classes often use moral philosophies to justify their exploitation of the working poor.
How does Little Hans die in the story?
Hans drowns in a deep hole on the moor during a violent storm. He was sent by the Miller to fetch a doctor, but the Miller selfishly refused to lend him a lantern to see the way.
What does the wheelbarrow represent?
The broken wheelbarrow represents an empty promise. It is a psychological tool the Miller uses to keep Hans in a state of perceived debt, ensuring Hans remains subservient and useful to him.
Who is the narrator of The Devoted Friend?
The story is a 'tale within a tale' narrated by a Linnet bird to a cynical Water-rat. The Linnet tells the story to teach the rat a lesson about the true meaning of friendship.