Interpreting the Snake in 'The Little Prince': A Multifaceted Literary Analysis
The Snake as a Symbol in 'The Little Prince'
'The Little Prince' is a beloved French novel written in 1943 by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Central to the narrative is the snake, a character that holds significant symbolic value, weaving through themes of transition, transformation, life, and death. This analysis will explore these themes and how they contribute to Saint-Exupéry's broader message.
Transition Between Worlds
In 'The Little Prince,' the snake represents a critical transition. It offers the Little Prince a way back to his asteroid and the rose he loves, initiating a journey that symbolizes a transition from his earthly life to a more spiritual existence. The bite, then, marks the boundary between his mortality and a transcendental return.
Death and Rebirth
The snake's bite can be interpreted as both a metaphor for death and a symbol of rebirth. The Little Prince’s departure from Earth signifies a journey beyond the physical realm, where he renews his connection with his true essence and the love he left behind. This concept of death followed by resurrection adds depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to consider life as a cycle of endings and new beginnings.
The Nature of Relationships
The relationship between the Little Prince and the snake reflects the complexities of love and attachment. The Prince’s choice to leave behind earthly experiences—even if it means facing death—illustrates the sacrifices and letting go that true love often entails. This encounter with the snake enlightens the Prince on the profound nature of love and the importance of parting ways for growth.
The snake itself serves as a counterpoint to the Little Prince, embodying adulthood and wisdom. Through their interactions, Saint-Exupéry presents a contrast between childlike innocence and deeper truths, challenging the naivety of adults and the wisdom of experience.
Innocence and Wisdom
The character of the snake juxtaposes the innocent, childlike Little Prince, symbolizing a more profound understanding of life and death. Their dialogue highlights the maturity brought by experience, suggesting that wisdom often emerges from life's challenges. The snake’s ability to communicate with the Little Prince signifies the transfer of knowledge from the old to the new, from the experienced to the young.
Existential Themes
As the story progresses, the snake’s character introduces themes of existential significance, including the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of relationships. The Little Prince’s journey prompts readers to reflect on the core values in life and the connections we form. The snake’s final role as a conveyance back to the Prince’s home planet, despite its sinister initial impression, serves as a poignant symbol of finality and reconciliation.
The Biblical and Literary Context of Snakes
The snake in literature, especially that of Christianity, often signifies temptation and evil. However, in 'The Little Prince,' the snake's interpretation shifts. Unlike the biblical serpent, which symbolizes deceit, the snake’s role in the story is more nuanced and ambiguous. It is a creature that defies binary thinking and represents both peril and possibility.
When we first encounter the snake, it is portrayed as no more than a curious, friendly, and wise creature, even going as far as to say, 'This is the Earth this is Africa.' However, this pleasant demeanor quickly wears off. The snake becomes sinister as it begins to demand something in return for its help, turning from a friend to a potential adversary. Its final role as the transport to the Little Prince’s home planet is both unexpected and deeply symbolic.
The snake’s journey with the Little Prince serves as a metaphor for death and rebirth. The bite represents an end but also an opportunity for a new beginning as the Little Prince returns to his home and the love he left behind. This transformation is a crucial part of the story, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, growth, and ultimate redemption.
The King and the Symbolism of Rulership
The king, whose planet the Little Prince first visits, is a symbol for rulers who place a high value on their authority but are fundamentally ineffective. The king, with his 'royal purple and ermine robe' and 'crammed and obstructed' planet, overestimates his power and authority. His orders are reasonable and easily followed, making him a parody of absolute monarchy.
Similarly, the snake's journey with the Little Prince reflects the same themes. The snake, initially seen as a harmless and wise creature, turns out to be a deadly adversary. This transformation serves to illustrate the complex and often contradictory nature of authority and leadership.
Conclusion
The snake in 'The Little Prince' is a multifaceted character, embodying themes of transition, transformation, death, and rebirth. By analyzing the snake's journey, we can gain deeper insight into the novel's central messages about the nature of existence, the importance of relationships, and the complex nature of love and leadership. Saint-Exupéry's character, like the snake, challenges our preconceptions and invites us to consider the broader implications of life and death.