The Little Prince Chapters 1-5 Flashcards

Author and Background

• Antoine de Saint Exupery is the author of "The Little Prince."
• He was born in France.
• Saint Exupery worked as an aviator, which influenced his writing.
• "The Little Prince" was written in the USA during his time in exile.
• He fought against Germany during World War II.

Themes and Concepts

• Allegory: The narrative contains deep metaphors and is a story within a story.
• Satire: The usage of sarcastic humor can reflect political views or direct criticism.
• Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one’s race, showcased by the Nazis through their genocidal actions.

Important Characters

• A Turkish astronomer discovered asteroid B-612, which was mocked for his attire.
• The narrator of the story is portrayed as an aviator.

Narrative Style

• The point of view is first-person, allowing readers to experience the narrator's thoughts directly.

Symbolism

• The literal baobab tree represents a large, needy plant found in Africa, whereas the metaphorical baobab signifies the harmful influence of evil or inaction against it.
• Baobabs are connected to themes in World War II, symbolizing the stranglehold Germany had over Europe.

Historical Context

• Adolf Hitler is identified as the leader of the German Army during World War II.

Illustrative Elements

• The significance of the baobab drawing: It symbolizes a large problem that must be addressed.
• The phrase "My friend" is used to engage and capture the reader's attention.

Perspectives on Value

• Adults tend to prioritize objective measurements, such as figures, while children value personal traits and emotional insights.
• The Little Prince's first drawing was of a boa constrictor, which emphasizes the difference in perception between adults and children.

Character Desires

• The prince's request for a sheep symbolizes the need to remove detrimental elements, or "bad roots," from life.
• The notion of thinking "inside or outside the box" is represented by the satisfaction derived from receiving a box for the sheep.

Personal Growth

• Saint Exupery ceased drawing at the age of six due to adult pressure to focus on more practical subjects, highlighting the loss of childhood creativity.

The Little Prince's Home

• The Little Prince lives on asteroid B-612, establishing a fantastical setting for the narrative.