Unlocking the Garden: Symbolism and Salvation in Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant"

Oscar Wilde, a master of wit and prose, possessed a unique gift for writing fairytales that enchant children while simultaneously offering deep, resonant truths for adults. Among his most beloved and poignant works is "The Selfish Giant," a story that begins as a simple moral tale about sharing but blossoms into a powerful and moving allegory of sin, redemption, and divine grace. Through the transformative journey of its colossal protagonist, the story explores the desolate winter of a selfish heart and the glorious, life-giving spring that comes from compassion, ultimately leading to a beautiful and transcendent salvation. One day the Giant came back. He had been to visit his friend the Cornish ogre, and had stayed with him for seven years. After the seven years were over he had said all that he had to say, for his conversation was limited, and he was determined to return to his own castle. When he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden. "What are y...