In an example of anthropomorphism, Wilde presents inanimate objects (specifically fireworks) and animals (frogs, ducks, etc.) as having human characteristics. Not only can the fireworks and animals in this story speak to each other in human language, but they also feel human emotions, use rational human-like logic, and even exist in a class-stratified society.
The following passage—a conversation between the various fireworks—demonstrates the way that the fireworks seem to exist in their own human-like reality alongside humans:
Suddenly, a sharp, dry cough was heard, and they all looked around. It came from a tall, supercilious-looking Rocket, who was tied to the end of a long stick. He always coughed before he made any observation, so as to attract attention.
“Ahem! ahem!” he said, and everybody listened except the poor Catherine Wheel, who was still shaking her head, and murmuring, “Romance is dead.”
“Order! order!” cried out a Cracker. He was something of a politician, and had always taken a prominent part in the local elections, so he knew the proper Parliamentary expressions to use.
In describing the Rocket as “supercilious” (or arrogant) and noting his pattern of clearing his throat “so as to attract attention,” Wilde establishes that these fireworks are just like humans, each with their own personalities and quirks. That the Catherine Wheel firework continuously murmurs “Romance is dead” also demonstrates how these particular objects are in touch with trends in human social critique. Finally, the Cracker firework’s involvement in local elections establishes that these fireworks have built an entire human-like society of their own.
Wilde’s decision to anthropomorphize the fireworks (as well as the animals later in the story) is intentional—he uses the distance between readers and non-human characters in order to highlight the absurd patterns within human society. In particular, he is highlighting in this story the societal challenges wrought by the arrogant upper-class elite who exist in their own world of self-importance.
