DUAL NATURE OF HUMAN BEINGS IN THE SHORT STORY “THE DEVOTED FRIEND” BY OSCAR WILDE

Аннотация

This article is dedicated to study Oskar Wild’s “The Devoted Friend”. It mainly focuses on the aspect of human relationships, characterized by mutual affections, loyalty, and support between individuals. The story serves as cautionary tale the danger of selfishness and exploitation, emphasizing how a true friend should be loyal, honest, selfless in their action. It also highlights the analyses of positive and negative features of the ideal friendship and impact of it in someone else’s life. These concepts are fully explained with the help of extracts from theliterary work. Key words: Oscar Wilde, human relationships, loyalty, friendship, concept, dual nature of human beings. “The Devoted Friend” is a short story written by Oscar Wilde. It is a captivating literary piece that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and manipulation. Through the clear description and intricate symbolism Wilde presents touching portrayal of the sincerity and genuine in our friendships and remind us that true friendship is based on mutual respect and kindness rather than selfishness and manipulation. We think that just finding that right person will make us happy and fulfilled. But research shows that friends are actually even more important psychological welfare. When people are asked what gives meaning to your life? Friendship figures at the top of the list. Friends bring more happiness into our lives, but some friends can lead to a fatal destination for the course of their selfishness. They accustomed to thinking only inside of the frame, completely does not know what was happening outside of it. We must get rid of egoistic habits by showing them harmful effects of self-centeredness. From this point of view, Oscar Wilde’s short story “The Devoted Friend” doubtfully is a good example for revealing positive and negative points of friendship along with encouraging the audience to read bestsellers. Oscar Wilde, an Irish writer, poet, and playwright, gained popularity in London in the early 1890s as one of the most influential playwrights of the Victorian era. He was born on October 16th, in Dublin, Ireland. A poet and translator. He quickly gained fame through his plays, essays, and public speak engagements. His works often satires the social conventions and hypocrisies of Victorian society. He experimented with different literary styles in the 1880s before gaining recognition as a prominent figure in the literary community. Wilde’s wit, humor, and social commentary continue to captivate audiences, making him a timeless and enduring literary figure. Wilde was a versatile writer, trying his hand at plays, poetry, lectures, and reviews. He was known for his sharp wit, stylish dress, and captivating conversations, becoming a well-known figure in society. In the 1890s, he focused on the importance of art and explored themes of decadence and beauty in his novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. Despite setbacks, such as the refusal of his play Salome in England, Wilde went on to write successful comedies and establish himself as a prominent playwright in Late-Victorian London. Also, Oscar Wilde wrote many short stories throughout his career. Such as “The Happy Prince”, “The Carterville Ghost”, “The Devoted Friend”, “The Selfish Giant”. These short stories showcase Wilde’s wit, humor, and ability to convey complex themes in a simple and engaging way. They arebeloved for theirmoral lessons, fantastical elements, and timelessappeal. 294 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue07(2025) “The Devoted Friend” first published in 1888 as part of his collection of fairy tales titled “The Happy Prince and Other Tales.” The story is a social commentary on the nature of friendship, loyalty, and thetrue intentionsof people. In theplot two characters named Hans and Miller play crucial role. Oscar Wild explained thedual nature ofhumanbeings inthis story. Thestory starts with discussionof the Duck and water rat. They all were discussing about real friendship and its motives. The bird started the story of two friends, one was a poor farmer named Hans, while the other was a humble and simple man, who always preferred friendship. Miller was a rich man whoalways felt good andimpressed Hans. He always took advantage ofHans’sgarden: “Real friends should have everything in common,” the Miller used to say, and little Hans noddedand smiled, andfeltveryproud ofhaving afriend with suchnobleideas.”[8] He collected fruits from the garden. Poor Hans never Mind at all, when Hans went through bad events in life, Miller never visited him. He said people should know how to deal withbad events” “There is no good in my going to see little Hans as long as the snow lasts,” the Miller used to say to his wife, “for when people are in trouble they should be left alone, and not be bothered by visitors. That at least is