The Little Prince

The narrator introduces a drawing of a boa constrictor that has swallowed an elephant, showing it to adults. They consistently misinterpret it as a hat, which leads the narrator to understand that adults cannot fathom the imagination of a child. This realization shapes his interactions with them, as he decides to only discuss 'reasonable' matters.

The narrator becomes an aircraft pilot, and while flying, he experiences a severe accident. His plane crashes in the arid expanse of the Sahara desert, leaving him isolated in a vast and desolate landscape, far removed from civilization.

While trying to fix his aircraft before his water supply runs out, the narrator encounters a young boy who introduces himself as 'the little prince.' Their meeting marks the beginning of a special bond as the prince shares his unique perspective on life, drawing the narrator into his world.

The little prince asks the narrator to draw him a sheep. After a few unsuccessful attempts, the narrator grows frustrated but ultimately draws a box, telling the prince the sheep is inside, which fulfills the prince’s request and demonstrates his imagination.

The prince begins recounting his life story, revealing that he used to live on a small asteroid called 'B 612.' He describes the asteroid's unique features, including three volcanoes and various plants that he tended to, showcasing his sense of responsibility.

Among the plants on his asteroid, the prince speaks about a special rose that he cared for deeply. He protected her from the elements and pests, nurturing their bond despite his frustrations with her self-centeredness, which led to his eventual desire to explore the universe.

Feeling taken advantage of and unappreciated by his rose, the little prince decides to leave his home. He cherishes their farewell, but the rose apologizes for not fully demonstrating her affection, planting a seed of doubt in the prince’s mind about his love for her.

As the prince journeys through space, he visits six different planets, each inhabited by an adult. Each encounter reveals the ridiculousness of adult behavior, reinforcing the prince's feelings of confusion and loneliness as he contemplates his own existence.

Upon arriving on Earth, the prince initially believes it is deserted. His exploration leads to disappointments, such as climbing a mountain to gain perspective but only encountering a desolate landscape and an echo, furthering his feeling of isolation.

The prince stumbles upon a field of rosebushes, which deeply saddens him. This encounter shatters his previous belief that his rose was unique, leading him to question his self-worth as a prince and prompting an emotional response filled with despair.

The prince encounters a fox, who teaches him about the concept of taming. Through this interaction, he learns that love and relationships require time to cultivate, and that through his unique connection with his rose, she is special in his eyes.

The fox imparts crucial wisdom that the real significance of feelings lies in the heart rather than in appearances. This revelation helps the prince understand that his rose’s uniqueness stems from the love and care he has given her.

After spending several days in the desert, the narrator and the prince find themselves on the brink of death from thirst. The prince becomes despondent, thinking of his home and his beloved rose, intensifying the urgency of their situation.

They discover a well that revives their spirits, but the prince soon confides in the narrator about his desire to return home. Their emotional farewell becomes palpable as the prince prepares for his departure, leaving behind a poignant message about life and love.

In a bittersweet moment, the prince allows a snake to bite him, signaling his return to his asteroid. The narrator is heartbroken, forced to confront the loss, and resolves to honor the prince's memory, gazing at the stars and remembering his laughter.