"The Little Prince", written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and published for the first time in 1943, is a work that has left an indelible mark on universal literature. This book, although often classified as children's literature, contains a depth and wisdom that resonates with readers of all ages. Through a seemingly simple narrative, Saint-Exupéry explores complex themes such as love, loneliness, friendship and human nature.
Introduction
The story of The Little Prince begins with the narrator, an airline pilot, remembering his childhood and a drawing he made when he was six years old. The drawing, an attempt to represent a boa constrictor that had swallowed an elephant, was misinterpreted by adults, who thought it was a hat. Discouraged by the lack of understanding, the narrator abandoned his dream of being an artist and dedicated himself to aviation.
Years later, while flying over the Sahara Desert, the narrator's plane breaks down, leaving him stranded with no hope of immediate rescue. In the midst of his desperation, he encounters a curious little boy who seems to appear out of nowhere. This boy, known as the Little Prince, asks the narrator to draw him a lamb.
The little Prince
The Little Prince comes from a small planet called Asteroid B-612. On his planet, barely larger than a house, he lives alone with a vain rose that he cares for devotedly. Through his story, the Little Prince tells the narrator about his experiences and the creatures he has met on his journey to other planets.
The Travels of the Little Prince
Each chapter of the book tells of the Little Prince's visit to different planets, each inhabited by a peculiar character who embodies different aspects of the human condition.
The King: The first of these planets is inhabited by a solitary king who believes himself to be the ruler of the universe. Although he has no subjects, he aims to rule everything he sees. This character symbolizes the vain ambition for power and the desire for absolute control.
The Vain One: The second planet is home to a vain man who only wants to be admired. His life revolves around the constant need to receive praise and recognition, representing superficiality and the search for external approval.
The Drinker: On the third planet, the Little Prince meets a drinker who drinks to forget the shame of drinking. This vicious cycle shows self-destruction and avoidance of personal problems.
The Businessman: The fourth planet is home to a businessman obsessed with counting and owning stars. He is so absorbed in his task that he has no time to enjoy the beauty of the universe. This character illustrates the obsession with the accumulation of material wealth at the expense of the truly important things in life.
The Lamplighter: The fifth planet is very small and inhabited by a lamplighter who turns on and off a lantern every minute, following orders without questioning them. Although his work is absurd due to the small size of his planet, the lamplighter is the only one who does not seem ridiculous to the Little Prince, since his work has a purpose, even if it is futile. This character symbolizes blind obedience and meaningless routine.
The Geographer: The sixth planet is ten times larger and inhabited by a geographer who has never seen the wonders he describes, considering himself too important to go out and explore. This character represents theory without practice, erudition without direct experience.
The earth
The Little Prince eventually arrives on Earth, where he encounters a variety of beings and situations that teach him important lessons.
The Fox: One of the Little Prince's most significant encounters on Earth is with a fox. The fox teaches him about friendship and true love. He explains that "what is essential is invisible to the eyes" and that one can only see well with the heart. The fox asks to be tamed, explaining that taming is "creating bonds," and through this relationship, the Little Prince understands that his rose is unique and special because he has cared for it and dedicated time to it.
The Rose Garden: The Little Prince is disappointed to discover a garden full of roses, identical to his unique rose. However, his encounter with the fox helps him understand that his rose is unique because it is the one he loves and has cared for. This revelation underscores the idea that love and self-care are what make something or someone special.
The Businessman (second time): On Earth, he also meets a businessman again, whose obsession with the stars has not diminished. This reiteration serves to emphasize Saint-Exupéry's criticism of those who value material wealth over human experience and relationship.
Outcome
Throughout his journey and encounters, the Little Prince grows in understanding about the nature of love and the importance of personal connections. Finally, the Little Prince decides that he must return to his planet and his rose. To achieve this, he accepts the bite of a snake, which promises to return him to his home.
The narrator, after repairing his plane, returns home, but he never forgets the Little Prince. The book concludes with the narrator asking readers that if they ever see a blonde boy standing in the middle of the desert, to tell him right away, because it could be the Little Prince.
Main topics
1. Childhood and Childhood Wisdom:
Saint-Exupéry highlights how children, through their innocence and fresh perspective, often have a clearer understanding of what is essential in life than adults, who are blinded by material concerns and social conventions.
2. The Nature of Love and Friendship:
The Little Prince learns that love and friendship are built through time, effort and sacrifice. The Little Prince's relationship with his rose and his friendship with the fox illustrate this truth poignantly.
3. Criticism of Modern Society:
The characters that the Little Prince meets on his journey represent different aspects of modern society that Saint-Exupéry criticizes: vanity, obsession with power, addiction, greed and meaningless routine.
4. Loneliness and the Search for Meaning:
The book also explores the loneliness felt by both children and adults. The Little Prince and the narrator are both alone, but they find comfort and meaning through their meeting and the stories they share.
Style and Symbolism
"The Little Prince" is written in a simple, lyrical style that belies the depth of its themes. Saint-Exupéry uses symbolism effectively to convey his messages. For example, the Little Prince's rose is not just a flower, but a symbol of love, responsibility and sacrifice. The planets and their inhabitants represent different facets of humanity and its failings.
Through his interplanetary journey, the Little Prince not only discovers the essence of love and friendship, but also invites us to reflect on our own lives and priorities. It is a reminder that often the most important things are invisible to the eyes and can only be seen with the heart.