TWO REMARKABLE STORIES. LEVEL B1/B2 + CD-AUDIO

These two short stories will give readers a new insight into the intriguing and complex personality of Oscar Wilde. The wit and satire of the "Remarkable Rocket" contrasts sharply with the divine vision of the "Young King" but both reveal Wilde's deep sense of morality. The Rocket is a comic fable which parodies such themes as egotism, vanity and pride using the convention of talking animals and objects, in this case fireworks. Wilde's presence can be felt in the numerous dialogues which suggest character types that were to make his future dramas so successful. The Young King returns from exile and in a series of dreams sees the excesses and cruelty required to make his royal garments for his coronation. It deals with his internal struggle and eventual transformation through self-sacrifice and love. The author has used the popular medium of the fairy tale to convey his thought-provoking ideas which continue to inspire readers of all ages. This volume is accompanied by notes and a wide range of learning activities to enable readers to enrich their vocabulary and practise language structures.