The Little Prince Book Summary

by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry298

TL;DR

The Little Prince is a poetic and philosophical tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss through the adventures of a young prince.

Cover of The Little Prince Book Summary

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What is The Little Prince about

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless work first published in 1943. This poetic and philosophical tale, disguised as a children's story, navigates through themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. The narrative is simple yet profound, involving the titular prince visiting various planets, including Earth, and meeting peculiar adults whose behaviors he finds perplexing. Each chapter unfolds as an allegory, enriched by Saint-Exupéry's watercolor illustrations, which add to the story's purity and depth. The book serves as an invitation to rediscover the child within us all.

The Little Prince 6 Key Takeaways

The Little Prince meets the narrator

The narrator, a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert, encounters the Little Prince, who asks him to draw a sheep. This unusual meeting sets off the storytelling journey where the prince shares his adventures.

The Prince's Journey to Various Planets

The Little Prince visits several asteroids, each inhabited by a solitary adult. These adults— a king, a vain man, a drunkard, a businessman, a lamplighter, and a geographer—each represent different aspects of human nature and societal flaws.

The Prince's Encounter with the Rose

On his home planet, the Little Prince cares for a unique rose, which teaches him about love and responsibility. Although the rose appears self-centered, the prince's bond with her is deep and signifies the complexity of love.

The Fox's Secret

On Earth, the Little Prince befriends a fox who shares a secret: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.' This profound lesson highlights the importance of relationships and seeing beyond the superficial.

The Prince's Realization

The Little Prince learns that his rose is not unique in the universe but realizes that what makes her special is the time and love he has invested in her. This epiphany underscores the value of personal connections.

The Departure

The story concludes with the Little Prince deciding to return to his planet, possibly through a fatal snake bite. This ambiguous ending leaves readers contemplating the themes of life, death, and spiritual return.

Top The Little Prince Quotes

  • 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.'
  • 'All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.'
  • 'You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.'

Who should read The Little Prince?

The Little Prince is ideal for readers of all ages. Children will appreciate its enchanting story and illustrations, while adults will find deep philosophical insights about life, relationships, and the human condition. It’s a book to be revisited at different stages in life, offering new perspectives each time.

About the Author

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist, and pioneering aviator. Born in 1900, he is best known for his novella 'The Little Prince,' as well as 'Night Flight' and 'Wind, Sand and Stars.' An aviator by profession, Saint-Exupéry's experiences heavily influenced his literary work, blending adventure with philosophical reflection. He disappeared in 1944 during a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean Sea, leaving behind a legacy of literary and aviation achievements.

The Little Prince Best Reviews

  • 'The Little Prince' is a timeless tale that speaks to the heart of both children and adults, reminding us of the essential truths about love, friendship, and the human condition. – The New York Times
  • A touching and beautifully illustrated story that transcends age and offers profound insights into the human experience. – The Guardian

The Little Prince FAQs

What's The Little Prince book about?

The story follows a young prince who visits various planets, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Despite its style as a children's book, The Little Prince makes observations about life, adults, and human nature.

Why is The Little Prince book so popular?

The Little Prince is multi-layered and resonates with readers of all ages. Children, young adults, and grown-ups can all find valuable life lessons and philosophical insights in its narrative, making it a universally appealing story.

What is the main message of the book The Little Prince?

The main theme of the fable is expressed in the secret that the fox tells the Little Prince: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.'