Symbols

The symbols are one of the most important stylistic devices in the work The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A symbol is an allegory that goes beyond the mere meaning of words. Symbols give a deeper meaning to certain objects or actions. The secret of the fox states that the essential is invisible to the eyes. Pointing out the symbolic character hidden in certain objects or deeds is one of the main purposes of the narrative. Thus, symbols are among the essential means of the narrative. In the following, selected symbols will be briefly explained.

The snake: life and death

One of the most important symbols is the snake. It can stand for both life and death. Snakes are often characterized as twofaced, false, poisonous, deceitful, and treacherous. For the little prince, their poison means earthly death, but at the same time the snake enables him to return to his home planet. Snakes ca...