What are the main themes in 'The Devoted Friend' by Oscar Wilde?

The main theme is friendship. It explores what it really means to be a devoted friend and how some people can misinterpret or abuse the concept of friendship.

It is a story that shows the contrast between true and false friendship. The so - called 'devoted friend' in the story, Hugh, is actually quite self - centered while using the guise of friendship.

Another theme could be the idea of giving and generosity. During Christmas, giving is a big part of the celebration, and Wilde may have used this as a central theme to show the characters' true natures. Also, the theme of redemption might be present. Some characters could be on a journey of self - discovery and redemption during the Christmas period.

One of the main themes is the clash between the old and the new. The traditional ghost represents the old, superstitious ways, while the American family represents modern, practical thinking. Another theme is redemption. The ghost, through his interactions with the family, especially Virginia, finds a kind of peace and redemption.

The themes include the contrast between American and English cultures. The Americans are portrayed as matter - of - fact and not easily frightened, which is different from the more superstitious English. Also, there is a theme of love and kindness. Virginia's kind - hearted nature towards the ghost eventually leads to a resolution of the ghost's tortured existence.

Well, there are themes like the duality of human nature. Wilde's characters often have two sides, a public one and a private one. For instance, Dorian Gray has his outward charm but also his inner corruption. Then there is the theme of the pursuit of pleasure. His characters are often in search of hedonistic pleasures. And the theme of the power of influence, as seen in how Dorian is influenced by Lord Henry and how that shapes his life.

Well, the themes in 'The Happy Prince' include compassion. The prince and the swallow show great compassion towards the less fortunate. Social inequality is also a big theme. Wilde uses the story to highlight the gap between the upper class and the poor. And love is there too, in the form of the friendship between the prince and the swallow, and their love for the people they are trying to help.

A common theme is aestheticism. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', for example, the pursuit of beauty is central. Dorian is obsessed with his own beauty and will do anything to preserve it, which leads to his moral downfall. This shows how Wilde explored the idea that beauty can be both alluring and dangerous.

One of the main themes is the critique of society. Wilde often satirizes the hypocrisy and shallowness of the upper class in his stories. For example, in 'The Canterville Ghost', the American family's practical and down - to - earth attitude contrasts with the British aristocracy's obsession with propriety and tradition.

Well, the themes of 'Oscar Wilde The Complete Short Stories' include decadence. Wilde depicts a world where excessive luxury and self - indulgence are common, especially among the upper classes. Also, there is the theme of love and lust. He delves into the complex nature of human relationships, showing how love can be intertwined with desire and how it can be corrupted by society's expectations.