Why is The Little Prince so Popular?
There are many different opinions as to why The Little Prince is such a popular novella. It may be because it teaches clear life lessons, or because it is a short read. A very quotable classic, The Little Prince has a wide generational reach, and its influence is undeniable.
Whatever the facts may be, it has been “all the rage” for decades.
The Little Prince is a well-known classic novella written originally in the French language by author Antoine de Saint-Exupery. For those of us who do not speak French, the name is pronounced in English as an-too-a du sant-ex-zoo-pe-ree. (not accurately written in proper phonetic symbols).
Summary of The Little Prince:
The Little Prince is a very short story about a pilot (the narrator) who crashes in the Sahara Desert where he chances upon the little prince, a traveler from another planet. The story is more about the journey of the little prince rather than the pilot.
The little prince eventually relates to the pilot where he comes from, the cause of his loneliness, people he has met- all very different- and the interesting ideas he has learned on his travels.
Each person he meets has a unique kind of personality, focus, or purpose. The little prince likes some of them, and others he does not like. All live on different planets the little prince has traveled to.
The last planet he travels to is earth, where he meets the pilot, a snake, a fox, a train conductor, and some roses. He learns that earth is unique and large and is filled with millions of ‘grown-ups’.
“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. ”
His curiosity and intrigue lead him to discover new realities he previously had not contemplated. He finds friends and experiences a broader world. All the while, he is a bit lonely and missing his rose, whom he cared for on his planet and left behind.
Wishing to return to his rose, the little prince makes an agreement with the snake to send him back home. There is a bit of uncertainty as to how that is accomplished, but we are encouraged to assume he returned to his rose.
The pilot, alone with the thoughts of his experience with the little prince, shares his insights with the readers.
“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”
Age Range for The Little Prince
The story of The Little Prince is for all ages and all types of people. Although it seems to be only for children at first glance, it appeal to both children and adults. The ideas and philosophies placed in front of the reader are multi-layered.
The adult, while reading to the child, or by himself, can appreciate metaphors and personifications of adult problems.
The child enjoys the simplicity of the illustrations and the story. But, both adult and child are capable of being moved by simple and complex ideas. Some are even brought to tears because of the story.
The popularity of The Little Prince is one that, on further examination, becomes very clear; everyone loves a story they can relate to and understand. It is amazing such a simple story can touch the hearts of millions of people.
It provokes thought in the youngest and the oldest, which is a hard feat to accomplish for an author (I should know). For such a powerful impact to occur, such a story must be important and worth reading.
It’s not just about popularity, it’s about standing the test of time. Any book that is able to touch the hearts of millions and remain prominent in the minds of millions over time, deserves to be given thought and attention.
What is Some of the Deeper Meaning of The Little Prince?
For those who are curious to know what some of the deeper meaning of the little prince may be, I offer you 4 different possibilities. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but may give you a greater understanding as to how such a simple text is beloved by millions.
I can only give you some of the deeper meanings I personally derived from the story.
Meaning #1: It’s Not Too Late to Become Like a Child Again
Adult life is hard. I don’t have to tell you, you know. However, being a child doesn’t have to go away. If you’ve ever spent any quality time with children, you discover really quickly you’re thinking too hard about life. At least that’s what I’ve found.
We all need to take a breath and stop taking ourselves too seriously. Go do something you used to do as a child. The phrase “I grew out of it” or “I’m too old for that” is just an excuse.
Meaning #2: We all are Weak Sometimes
Ever heard the phrase, “nobody’s perfect”? Yeah, me too. We all have weaknesses, and it’s important to realize our weaknesses don’t just make our lives hard, they make other people’s lives hard too. Weakness is a part of reality.
Once we recognize our weaknesses, we can work on them and overcome them. We can progress and move forward. Ignoring them just makes life harder. We need to embrace who we are, warts and all…:D
Meaning #3: Use Your Imagination
Use your imagination! I’ve learned over the years, and this book has reminded me, I’m only limited by the expanse of my imagination. I don’t tell myself, I don’t know how, or I can’t. I say to myself:
What can I do to accomplish this? Where can I go to learn? What can I do to use this knowledge I’ve just obtained?
The world is a beautiful place filled with endless possibilities and methods of expression. Don’t limit yourself to what’s already been done. Build something new! Dream big! Listen well! Learn everything!
Meaning #4: Sorrow is a Part of Life
Mistakes, sorrow, disappointment, these are all a part of life. They will never go away. Instead of dreading reality, we should embrace it. Work with sorrow. Work with disappointment. Work through mistakes.
Face your fears. Let yourself be sad. When I do this, I find myself able to manage life in a more hopeful fashion. I try not to dread sorrow or heartache. It’s not easy, but it all tends to work out in the end. I promise.
