The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 10

Perhaps you will ask me, "Why are there no other drawing in this book as magnificent and impressive as this drawing of the baobabs?" The reply is simple.

• Perhaps: possibly; maybe [pərˈhæps]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• will: auxiliary verb used to express future tense or intention [wɪl]
• ask: to put a question to someone [æsk]
• me: the speaker or writer referring to himself or herself [mi]
• Why: for what reason or purpose [waɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• there: used to indicate the existence or presence of something [ðɛr]
• no other: not any others; none else [noʊ ˈəðər]
• drawing: a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint [drɔɪŋ]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• this: referring to something nearby or being mentioned [ðɪs]
• book: a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers [bʊk]
• as: used to compare things [ɛz]
• magnificent: extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive [mægˈnɪfɪsənt]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• impressive: evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill; grand, imposing, or awesome [ˌɪmˈprɛsɪv]
• as: used to compare things [ɛz]
• this: referring to something nearby or being mentioned [ðɪs]
• drawing: a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint [drɔɪŋ]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• baobabs: a short, thick tree of tropical Africa [baobabs]
• The: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• reply: a verbal or written answer [rɪˈplaɪ]
• is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• simple: easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty [ˈsɪmpəl]

I have tried.

• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• have tried: to make an attempt or effort to do something [hæv traɪd]

But with the others I have not been successful.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• with: expressing accompaniment or association [wɪθ]
• the others: the remaining people or things of the same kind [ðə ˈəðərz]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• have not been: negative form of 'have been', indicating something that has not happened or existed [hæv nɑt bɪn]
• successful: accomplishing an aim or purpose [səkˈsɛsfəl]

When I made the drawing of the baobabs I was carried beyond myself by the inspiring force of urgent necessity.

• When: at or during the time that [wɪn]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• made: past tense of 'make', meaning to create or produce something [meɪd]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• drawing: a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint [drɔɪŋ]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• baobabs: a short, thick tree of tropical Africa [baobabs]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• was carried: past tense of 'to be carried', meaning to be moved or transported [wɑz ˈkɛrid]
• beyond: at or to the further side of [bɪɔnd]
• myself: used by a speaker to refer to his or her own self as the object of a verb or preposition [ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• by: expressing the agent performing an action [baɪ]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• inspiring: having the effect of inspiring someone [ˌɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ]
• force: strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement [fɔrs]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• urgent: requiring immediate action or attention [ˈərʤənt]
• necessity: the state of being required or indispensable [nəˈsɛsɪti]

The baobabs

• The: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• baobabs: a short, thick tree of tropical Africa [baobabs]

VI

Oh, little prince!

• Oh: an exclamation expressing surprise, pain, or pleasure [oʊ]
• little: small in size [ˈlɪtəl]
• prince: the son of a king or queen [prɪns]

Bit by bit I came to understand the secrets of your sad little life...

• Bit by bit: gradually; little by little [bɪt baɪ bɪt]
• I: the person speaking or writing [aɪ]
• came: past tense of 'come', meaning to move or travel towards or into a place [keɪm]
• to: expressing motion in the direction of (a particular location [tɪ]
• understand: perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker [ˌəndərˈstænd]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• secrets: something kept or meant to be kept unknown or private [ˈsikrɪts]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• your: belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing [jʊr]
• sad: feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy [sæd]
• little: small in size [ˈlɪtəl]
• life: the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death [laɪf]

For a long time you had found your only entertainment in the quiet pleasure of looking at the sunset.

• For: used to introduce the reason for something [fər]
• a: used to refer to one single thing [ə]
• long: measuring a great distance from end to end [lɔŋ]
• time: the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole [taɪm]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• had found: past perfect tense of 'find', meaning to discover or perceive [hæd faʊnd]
• your: belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing [jʊr]
• only: single; sole [ˈoʊnli]
• entertainment: the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment [ˌɛnərˈteɪnmənt]
• in: expressing the situation of something surrounded or enclosed [ɪn]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• quiet: making little or no noise [kwaɪət]
• pleasure: a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment [ˈplɛʒər]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• looking: the action of directing one's gaze in a specified direction [ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• at: expressing location or arrival in a particular place or position [æt]
• the: denoting one or more people or things already mentioned or known about [ðə]
• sunset: the time in the evening when the sun disappears or daylight fades [ˈsənˌsɛt]

"I am very fond of sunsets.

• I am: a common expression; 'I' is the subject, and 'am' is the present tense form of the verb 'to be' [aɪ æm]
• very fond of: to like something very much; to have a strong preference for something [ˈvɛri fɑnd əv]
• sunsets: the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon; the time when the sun goes down [ˈsənˌsɛts]

"But we must wait," I said.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• we must: expresses obligation or necessity; indicates that something is required or essential [wi məst]
• wait: to remain in place or postpone an action until a particular time or event [weɪt]
• I said: a simple statement indicating that the speaker uttered something [aɪ sɛd]

"Wait?

• Wait: to remain in place or postpone an action until a particular time or event [weɪt]

"For the sunset.

• For the sunset: indicating the reason for waiting; 'sunset' refers to the event of the sun setting [fər ðə ˈsənˌsɛt]

At first you seemed to be very much surprised.

• At first: initially; in the beginning [æt fərst]
• you seemed: appeared to be; gave the impression of being [ju simd]
• to be: linking verb; connects the subject to a noun or adjective that describes it [tɪ bi]
• very much: to a great extent; considerably [ˈvɛri məʧ]
• surprised: feeling or showing astonishment or shock [səˈpraɪzd]

And then you laughed to yourself.

• And then: subsequently; after that [ənd ðɛn]
• you laughed: made sounds and facial expressions expressing amusement or happiness [ju læft]
• to yourself: privately; without anyone else hearing [tɪ ˈjɔrsɛlf]

"I am always thinking that I am at home!"

• I am: a common expression; 'I' is the subject, and 'am' is the present tense form of the verb 'to be' [aɪ æm]
• always thinking: constantly or habitually having a particular thought or idea [ˈɔlˌweɪz ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]
• that: introduces a subordinate clause expressing the content of the thinking [ðət]
• I am: a common expression; 'I' is the subject, and 'am' is the present tense form of the verb 'to be' [aɪ æm]
• at home: in a familiar or comfortable place; where one belongs [æt hoʊm]

Just so.

• Just so: exactly; precisely as stated [ʤɪst soʊ]

Everybody knows that when it is noon in the United States the sun is setting over France.

• Everybody knows: it is a common knowledge [ˈɛvriˌbɑdi noʊz]
• that: introduces a subordinate clause expressing the content of what is known [ðət]
• when: at the time that; during the period that [wɪn]
• it is: referring to the time; 'it' is a placeholder pronoun [ɪt ɪz]
• noon: twelve o'clock in the daytime; midday [nun]
• in the United States: specifying the location where it is noon [ɪn ðə juˈnaɪtɪd steɪts]
• the sun is setting: the sun is going down below the horizon [ðə sən ɪz ˈsɛtɪŋ]
• over France: specifying the location where the sun is setting [ˈoʊvər fræns]

If you could fly to France in one minute, you could go straight into the sunset, right from noon.

• If: introducing a conditional clause [ɪf]
• you could: expressing possibility or ability in a hypothetical situation [ju kʊd]
• fly: to travel through the air [flaɪ]
• to France: specifying the destination of the flight [tɪ fræns]
• in one minute: specifying the duration of the flight [ɪn wən ˈmɪnət]
• you could: expressing possibility or ability in a hypothetical situation [ju kʊd]
• go straight: proceed directly; without deviating [goʊ streɪt]
• into the sunset: towards the setting sun [ˈɪntu ðə ˈsənˌsɛt]
• right from: immediately after; directly from [raɪt frəm]
• noon: twelve o'clock in the daytime; midday [nun]

Unfortunately, France is too far away for that.

• Unfortunately: regrettably; it is a pity that [ənˈfɔrʧənətli]
• France: a country in Western Europe [fræns]
• is too far away: is at an excessive distance [ɪz tu fɑr əˈweɪ]
• for that: for the purpose mentioned previously [fər ðət]

But on your tiny planet, my little prince, all you need do is move your chair a few steps.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• on your tiny planet: referring to the small planet where the little prince lives [ɔn jʊr ˈtaɪni ˈplænət]
• my little prince: a term of endearment; referring to the main character of the story [maɪ ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• all you need do: the only thing you have to do [ɔl ju nid du]
• is move: to change position or location [ɪz muv]
• your chair: the seat you are sitting on [jʊr ʧɛr]
• a few steps: a small number of paces [ə fju stɛps]

You can see the day end and the twilight falling whenever you like...

• You can: expressing ability or possibility [ju kən]
• see: to perceive with the eyes [si]
• the day end: the conclusion of the day; the time when the day finishes [ðə deɪ ɛnd]
• and: used to connect words or phrases of the same kind [ənd]
• the twilight falling: the period of fading light after sunset; the gradual decrease in light intensity [ðə tˈwaɪˌlaɪt ˈfɑlɪŋ]
• whenever you like: at any time that you desire; whenever you want [wɛˈnɛvər ju laɪk]

"One day," you said to me, "I saw the sunset forty-four times!"

• One day: an unspecified day in the past or future [wən deɪ]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• said: past tense of 'say', to utter words [sɛd]
• to me: directed towards the speaker [tɪ mi]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• saw: past tense of 'see', to perceive with the eyes [sɔ]
• the sunset: the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon [ðə ˈsənˌsɛt]
• forty-four times: the number 44, indicating the number of occurrences [forty-four taɪmz]

And a little later you added:

• And: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• a little later: after a short period of time [ə ˈlɪtəl ˈleɪtər]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• added: past tense of 'add', to say something more [ˈædɪd]

"You know — one loves the sunset, when one is so sad..."

• You know: an expression used to seek confirmation or understanding from the listener [ju noʊ]
• one: a person; used in a general sense [wən]
• loves: present tense of 'love', to have a strong feeling of affection for [ləvz]
• the sunset: the daily disappearance of the sun below the horizon [ðə ˈsənˌsɛt]
• when: at or during the time that [wɪn]
• one: a person; used in a general sense [wən]
• is: present tense of 'be', to exist or occur [ɪz]
• so sad: experiencing unhappiness or sorrow to a great degree [soʊ sæd]

"Were you so sad, then?" I asked, "on the day of the forty-four sunsets?"

• Were: past tense of 'be', used to indicate a state or condition in the past [wər]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• so sad: experiencing unhappiness or sorrow to a great degree [soʊ sæd]
• then: at that time; in that case [ðɛn]
• I: the speaker [aɪ]
• asked: past tense of 'ask', to put a question to [æst]
• on the day: referring to a specific day [ɔn ðə deɪ]
• of the forty-four sunsets: referring to the day when the sunset was seen forty-four times [əv ðə forty-four ˈsənˌsɛts]

But the little prince made no reply.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• the little prince: referring to a character known as the little prince [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• made: past tense of 'make', to create or produce [meɪd]
• no reply: did not answer [noʊ rɪˈplaɪ]

Coucher de soleil.jpg

VII

On the fifth day — again, as always, it was thanks to the sheep — the secret of the little prince's life was revealed to me.

• On the fifth day: referring to a specific day in a sequence [ɔn ðə fɪθ deɪ]
• again: once more; another time [əˈgɛn]
• as always: as is the usual case; as it always happens [ɛz ˈɔlˌweɪz]
• it was thanks to: attributing something to someone or something [ɪt wɑz θæŋks tɪ]
• the sheep: a farm animal [ðə ʃip]
• the secret: something kept hidden or unknown [ðə ˈsikrɪt]
• of the little prince's life: referring to the life of the character known as the little prince [əv ðə ˈlɪtəl ˈprɪnsɪz laɪf]
• was revealed: was made known [wɑz rɪˈvild]
• to me: to the speaker [tɪ mi]

"A sheep — if it eats little bushes, does it eat flowers, too?"

• A sheep: a domestic animal that is kept for its wool and meat [ə ʃip]
• if: used to introduce a conditional clause [ɪf]
• it: referring to the sheep [ɪt]
• eats: to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it [its]
• little: small in size [ˈlɪtəl]
• bushes: a shrub; a plant with several stems coming from the ground [ˈbʊʃəz]
• does it eat: emphasizing the action of eating, asking if it also eats [dɪz ɪt it]
• flowers: the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of petals, stamens, and pistils [flaʊərz]
• too: also; in addition [tu]

"A sheep," I answered, "eats anything it finds in its reach."

• A sheep: a domestic animal that is kept for its wool and meat [ə ʃip]
• I answered: I responded; I gave a reply [aɪ ˈænsərd]
• eats: to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it [its]
• anything: any object, event, or matter whatever [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]
• it: referring to the sheep [ɪt]
• finds: to discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly [faɪndz]
• in its reach: within the area that the sheep can access or extend to [ɪn ɪts riʧ]