One Figurative Masterpiece : (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – “The Little Prince”)

Abstract

Literary masterpieces stand out for their timelessness and, often, for crafting figurative language so skillfully that their meaning transcends any specific era. To achieve this, the author must be a virtuoso – mastering the magic of words and conveying profound artistic and philosophical depths. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s the Little Prince exemplifies such exquisite figurative language, even though it is commonly described simply as a literary fairy tale.

 However, the fairy-tale quality lies in the intense and unusual nature of this literary masterpiece. At the same time, it reveals a uniquely rich ar­tis­tic symbolism. Through this, the author leads the reader into an associative labyrinth, teaching them to confront loneliness by befriending the “smiling star” – the Little Prince.

Here we must also take into account that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince" captivates its readers with a completely irresistible charm, because he himself, all his life (before the appearance of The Little Prince), was looking for a companion who would understand the world with an irrational vision. An unusual friend would appear, to whom dreams would not pose a threat, who would always manage to "make connections" with his heart, and most importantly, would definitely distance himself from the false pathos of wit.

Based on this set of thoughts, it is quite appropriate to "reread" the biography of "Land of Men". At the same time, we should not forget that just as the little prince returns to his tiny planet thanks to the snake, so too, when leaving the world, he finds us in a completely unusual space of thought. There, where the snake puts our whole life in mystical chains and wraps it in an incomprehensible taboo haze...

This esoteric rebus became easily recognizable to Saint-Exupéry, be­cause he contrasted the serpent's seductive essence with a fox - distinguished by his "life-giving wisdom." It is through his insight that the little prince will master the incomparable art of "making connections" and help him overcome the unbearable pain he suffered from his planet...

In such circumstances, a rose appeared in the life of the Little Prince. This eloquent cosmic flower is saturated with “divine breath”, which at the same time embodies the “center of the universe” and is universal in its charisma and fatal charm of feeling.

Naturally, we should not forget that Antoine de Saint-Exupery was able to “read” life in this way by “co-authoring” with the Little Prince.