The Birthday of the Infanta by Oscar Wilde

A court dwarf is invited to dance before a young princess on her birthday, unaware that his appearance is the source of cruel amusement. When he discovers the truth by seeing his reflection for the first time, his heart breaks under the weight of humiliation. The story ends with a tragic twist that contrasts innocence and vanity. The plot critiques superficial beauty and the cruelty of social hierarchies. It’s a deeply emotional tale told in lyrical prose.