The Nightingale and the Rose

"The Nightingale and the Rose" by Oscar Wilde is a story about a young student who desires a red rose to impress his love. A nightingale hears his wish and sacrifices itself, singing tirelessly through the night to create a magical red rose from its heart’s blood. However, the girl values material gifts more than genuine sacrifice and chooses a costly jewel over the rose. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the superficiality of materialism, illustrating that true love often requires selflessness, but society may overlook genuine gestures in favor of superficial offerings.