The Fisherman and His Soul
by Oscar Wilde

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The Fisherman and His Soul: Style 1 key example

Key Examples in The Fisherman and His Soul

Style
Explanation and Analysis:

As an adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” “The Fisherman and His Soul” is written in a style that is reminiscent of fairy tales. This comes across in Wilde’s use of ornate and archaic language. Take the following passage, for example, when the Witch asks the Fisherman why he has sought her out:

“What d’ye lack? What d’ye lack? I know a flower that grows in the valley, none knows it but I. It has purple leaves, and a star in its heart, and its juice is as white as milk. Shouldst thou touch with this flower the hard lips of the Queen, she would follow thee all over the world. Out of the bed of the King she would rise, and over the whole world she would follow thee. And it has a price, pretty boy, it has a price. What d’ye lack? What d’ye lack?”