Friendships in The Little Prince - Essay Example

The little Prince teaches the narrator that differences do not matter. The narrator says; ‘ My friend never explained anything to me. He thought, perhaps, that I was like himself. But I, alas, do not know how to see sheep through the walls of boxes. Perhaps I am a little like the grown-ups. I have had to grow old.’ (Chapter 4). Children are open and hold no prejudices to judge people before accepting them in friendship. When one loses the innocence of childhood, one questions and cannot see beyond the box or external appearance.

The Prince demonstrates that friendship means loving beyond the faults and even looking for excuses to forgive and seeing the good behind the faults. The Prince does not blame the vain flower for trying to hoodwink him with lies but he affirms his love for her. The narrative says; ‘ “ …I ought to have guessed all the affection that lay behind her poor little stratagems. Flowers are so inconsistent! But I was too young to know how to love her . . ." ’ (Chapter 8). Is he being foolish or preaching the message of true friendship?

His efforts are not in vain for the flower regrets her foolishness and asks him for forgiveness. She affirms her love for him and explains that their foolishness stood in their way of friendship as each was too proud to make the first move to initiate true communication. Friendship does not mean being close all the time. True friendship means letting go when it is for the happiness and good of the other. The flower understands this philosophy. She tells the Prince; ‘ "Don't linger like this.

You have decided to go away. Now go!" For she did not want him to see her crying. She was such a proud flower.’ (Chapter 9). Only true friends will give up what is dear to them for the sake of another friend.