LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS.
Question:
In his preface to The Little Prince, Exupery remarks that "All grown ups were children
once-although few of them remember it". Explain with reference to the various adults the
little prince encounters on his travels, the significance of this statement.
Saint-Exupéry's timeless classic "The Little Prince" was published in 1943 and has since
become a literary classic, enthralling readers of all ages. The plot centres around a young
prince who is born on a tiny asteroid and begins on a voyage around several worlds, where
he meets a variety of eccentric individuals such as an arrogant king, a drunkard, a
lamplighter, and others. Throughout his adventures, the Little Prince examines the
behaviours and viewpoints of these "grown-ups," leading readers to consider the essence of
adulthood.
Antoine de Saint- Exupéry quote, "all grown ups were children once-although few of
them remember it" in the preface of his narrative: "The Little Prince" holds an important
meaning and value and speaks to the essence of the entire book. In these few words,
Exupéry encapsulates a poignant observation about the adult world and the loss of
childhood innocence, which is a central theme of his narrative. The quote highlights the stark
contrast between the understandings and perceptions of life by children and adults. The
initial ones perceive the world with a sense of curiosity, and innocence, being unburdened by
the complexities that the later ones live with. However, the adults (grown-ups) tend
to lose touch with this childlike wonder and become preoccupied with the practical and the
material things.
Exupéry's choice of phrase "although few of them remember it" is particularly insightful, it
sheds light on the fact that not all the adults leave behind their childlike approach of living,
but try and manage to keep it alive in some way or the other throughout their lives. They hold
immense respect and love for their youthful days, and understand the value of looking at the
world through the sight of the child within them. Also, the notion of "remembering" childhood
includes not only remembering but also embracing the features that distinguishes childhood
from adulthood. It's about keeping the ability to be surprised by the stars, to converse with
flowers, and to perceive the remarkable in the commonplace. In essence, it is about keeping
the childish virtues of curiosity, inventiveness, and an open heart.
In "The Little Prince," the protagonist encounters a series of adults on different planets
throughout his voyage, each representing a different aspect of grown-up life. These
encounters often portray the absurdity, quirks, and misprioritization of grown-up life, and the
lack of understanding that can come with adulthood;
1) The king
Question:
In his preface to The Little Prince, Exupery remarks that "All grown ups were children
once-although few of them remember it". Explain with reference to the various adults the
little prince encounters on his travels, the significance of this statement.
Saint-Exupéry's timeless classic "The Little Prince" was published in 1943 and has since
become a literary classic, enthralling readers of all ages. The plot centres around a young
prince who is born on a tiny asteroid and begins on a voyage around several worlds, where
he meets a variety of eccentric individuals such as an arrogant king, a drunkard, a
lamplighter, and others. Throughout his adventures, the Little Prince examines the
behaviours and viewpoints of these "grown-ups," leading readers to consider the essence of
adulthood.
Antoine de Saint- Exupéry quote, "all grown ups were children once-although few of
them remember it" in the preface of his narrative: "The Little Prince" holds an important
meaning and value and speaks to the essence of the entire book. In these few words,
Exupéry encapsulates a poignant observation about the adult world and the loss of
childhood innocence, which is a central theme of his narrative. The quote highlights the stark
contrast between the understandings and perceptions of life by children and adults. The
initial ones perceive the world with a sense of curiosity, and innocence, being unburdened by
the complexities that the later ones live with. However, the adults (grown-ups) tend
to lose touch with this childlike wonder and become preoccupied with the practical and the
material things.
Exupéry's choice of phrase "although few of them remember it" is particularly insightful, it
sheds light on the fact that not all the adults leave behind their childlike approach of living,
but try and manage to keep it alive in some way or the other throughout their lives. They hold
immense respect and love for their youthful days, and understand the value of looking at the
world through the sight of the child within them. Also, the notion of "remembering" childhood
includes not only remembering but also embracing the features that distinguishes childhood
from adulthood. It's about keeping the ability to be surprised by the stars, to converse with
flowers, and to perceive the remarkable in the commonplace. In essence, it is about keeping
the childish virtues of curiosity, inventiveness, and an open heart.
In "The Little Prince," the protagonist encounters a series of adults on different planets
throughout his voyage, each representing a different aspect of grown-up life. These
encounters often portray the absurdity, quirks, and misprioritization of grown-up life, and the
lack of understanding that can come with adulthood;
1) The king
