Abstract

The Little Prince is a fairy tale not only for children but also for adults. The author reexamines the importance of children-orientation from the perspective of adults and children and calls for the return of children’s spirit in the adult world.

This thesis analyzes the concept of adult and children in the novel. The article makes it clear that the children have a pure heart and they can be committed to the responsibility of love, while the adult world is grotesque and unjustifiable. We should affirm the existence value of children, respect their values and attitudes toward life and protect their pure heart. As adults, we should also defend our own spiritual home and remain pure.

Keyword:  children-orientation; the concept of adult; spiritual home; innocence

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince1 

1.2 Literature Review2 

1.3 Thesis Statement and Research Questions3

1.4 Thesis Structure 4

Chapter 2 The grow-ups in The little Prince

2.1 I and the Grown-ups5

2.2 I and the Little Prince 6

2.3 The Little Prince and People on Other Planets    6

2.3.1 The Little Prince and the Upper Class7

2.3.2 The Little Prince and the Under Class7

Chapter 3 The “Children-Orientation” in The Little Prince

3.1 The Innocent Heart of the Little Prince   9

3.2 The Little Prince’s Little Space 10

3.2 The Little Prince’s Friendship and Affection   10

Chapter 4 Conclusion 13

Bibliography