Discuss the symbol and motif of in the ballad of reading gaol? -An allusion to justice The idea that flowers can heal 'a common man's despair'- Wilde is potentially critiquing engrained social traditions with this almost satirical statement- juxtaposition to the shards and flints of the prison.

Part and parcel with Wilde's style- see the repeated references to different flowers throughout 'The Portrait of Dorian Grey'

Yet, Woolridge's 'heart' is associated with a 'white' rose- Wilde does not vilify the 'criminal' nor condemn him throughout his ballad- he more so associates with him as a fellow sinner. Charles Thomas Woolridge is associated with a 'red rose' coming out of his mouth- perhaps an allusion to his crime of passion? The idea that white nor red roses can bloom in 'prison air'. Primarily associated with death or, ironically, marriage, celebration and birth. Discuss the symbol and motif of Roses and petals in the ballad of reading gaol? -Imagery that continues towards the end of the poem. The gardener's gloves are used by an executioner (a 'righteous' murderer) as opposed to a gardener who cultivates life. The criminals are the weeds that need disposing of. We may compare the blood of criminals to dirt- which gardener's gloves are sued to guard against. The gardener's gloves belong to the executioner to prevent him from getting the blood of criminals on his hands. Discuss the symbol and motif of Gardener's gloves in the ballad of reading gaol? -Bitter irony 'Blood and wine'- did Woolridge indulge in alcohol before of after his crime? Religious allusions to the Holy Communion. Discuss the symbol and motif of Gluttony in the ballad of reading gaol? -Contextually speaking, Wilde's overindulgent lifestyle akin to that of Dorian Grey (but with additional homosexuality). Wealth and status become irrelevant once Woolridge becomes a criminal as all criminals are united but their drab grey uniforms. There is no time for pride in prison: 'he did not pass in purple pomp' 'nor ride a moon-white steed'. Their only source of light in the darkness is itself mocked by the darkness. Discuss the symbol and motif of Pride in the ballad of reading gaol? -The spirits that the prisoners see mock them by dancing joyously around the moon.

The ballad of gaol