"The Little Prince" is a novella written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, first published in 1943. It is a
timeless and beloved story that is often considered a children's book, but its themes and messages
resonate with readers of all ages. Here is a summary of the plot:
The story begins with a pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert, where he meets a young
boy who appears to be a prince. As the pilot repairs his plane, the Little Prince shares his life story
and adventures.
The Little Prince comes from a tiny asteroid called "B-612," where he lives alone with a single rose.
He decides to explore other planets in search of knowledge and companionship. On his journey, he
visits various small planets, each inhabited by a single eccentric character:
The King, who believes he rules over everything, even the stars.
The Vain Man, who craves constant admiration and applause.
The Drunkard, who drinks to forget his shame.
The Lamplighter, who mindlessly follows orders to light and extinguish a lamp every minute because
his planet rotates so quickly.
The Geographer, who collects meaningless data but never explores the world himself.
Frustrated and disillusioned by the adults he encounters, the Little Prince continues his journey. He
arrives on Earth, where he encounters various creatures, including a fox who imparts wisdom about
the nature of love and relationships. The fox teaches him the famous lesson: "On ne voit bien
qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux" ("One sees clearly only with the heart. What
is essential is invisible to the eye").
As the Little Prince explores Earth, he meets a snake that can grant him passage back to his asteroid.
He befriends a pilot stranded in the desert and shares his stories and experiences. Eventually, the
Little Prince decides to leave Earth, sacrificing himself to the snake to return home and care for his
beloved rose.
The story ends with the pilot being rescued from the desert. He longs to see the Little Prince again
but can only gaze at the stars, knowing that his little friend has returned to his asteroid.
"The Little Prince" is a tale of innocence, friendship, and the importance of seeing the world through
the eyes of a child. It is also a meditation on the nature of love, loneliness, and the human condition.
The book's enduring appeal lies in its ability to touch the hearts of readers with its simple yet
profound messages.