The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 12

"A what?"

"A mushroom!"

The little prince was now white with rage.

• The: definite article, referring to a specific little prince [ðə]
• little prince: a young royal figure, often used in literature to represent innocence and wisdom [ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• was: past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
• now: at the present time; at this moment [naʊ]
• white with rage: an idiom describing someone who is extremely angry, often to the point of paleness [waɪt wɪθ reɪʤ]

"The flowers have been growing thorns for millions of years.

• The: definite article, referring to specific flowers [ðə]
• flowers: the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs surrounded by brightly colored petals [flaʊərz]
• have been growing: present perfect continuous tense of 'to grow', indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present [hæv bɪn groʊɪŋ]
• thorns: sharp, pointed spines on a plant [θɔrnz]
• for millions of years: a very long period of time, specifically millions of years [fər ˈmɪljənz əv jɪrz]

For millions of years the sheep have been eating them just the same.

• For millions of years: a very long period of time, specifically millions of years [fər ˈmɪljənz əv jɪrz]
• the sheep: plural of sheep, referring to a group of animals [ðə ʃip]
• have been eating: present perfect continuous tense of 'to eat', indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present [hæv bɪn ˈitɪŋ]
• them: referring to the thorns [ðɛm]
• just the same: in the same way; without any difference [ʤɪst ðə seɪm]

And is it not a matter of consequence to try to understand why the flowers go to so much trouble to grow thorns which are never of any use to them?

• And: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• is it not: a rhetorical question, implying agreement or emphasis [ɪz ɪt nɑt]
• a matter of consequence: something important or significant [ə ˈmætər əv ˈkɑnsəkwəns]
• to try to understand: to make an effort to comprehend [tɪ traɪ tɪ ˌəndərˈstænd]
• why: for what reason or purpose [waɪ]
• the flowers: the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs surrounded by brightly colored petals [ðə flaʊərz]
• go to so much trouble: exert a great deal of effort or inconvenience [goʊ tɪ soʊ məʧ ˈtrəbəl]
• to grow thorns: to develop sharp, pointed spines on a plant [tɪ groʊ θɔrnz]
• which are never of any use: that provide no benefit or advantage [wɪʧ ər ˈnɛvər əv ˈɛni juz]
• to them: referring to the flowers [tɪ ðɛm]

Is the warfare between the sheep and the flowers not important?

• Is: form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• the warfare: conflict or struggle [ðə ˈwɔrˌfɛr]
• between the sheep and the flowers: the conflict or struggle between the sheep and the flowers [bɪtˈwin ðə ʃip ənd ðə flaʊərz]
• not important: not significant or consequential [nɑt ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt]

Is this not of more consequence than a fat red-faced gentleman's sums?

• Is: form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• this: referring to the situation being discussed [ðɪs]
• not of more consequence: not more important or significant [nɑt əv mɔr ˈkɑnsəkwəns]
• than: used to make a comparison [ðən]
• a fat red-faced gentleman's sums: the calculations or arithmetic problems of a wealthy, angry-looking man [ə fæt red-faced ˈʤɛnəlˌmənz səmz]

And if I know — I, myself — one flower which is unique in the world, which grows nowhere but on my planet, but which one little sheep can destroy in a single bite some morning, without even noticing what he is doing — Oh!

• And: conjunction used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• if I know: conditional clause expressing a hypothetical situation [ɪf aɪ noʊ]
• I, myself: emphasizing the speaker's personal knowledge [aɪ ˌmaɪˈsɛlf]
• one flower: a single flower [wən flaʊər]
• which is unique in the world: that is the only one of its kind on Earth [wɪʧ ɪz juˈnik ɪn ðə wərld]
• which grows nowhere but on my planet: that only grows on the speaker's planet [wɪʧ groʊz ˈnoʊˌwɛr bət ɔn maɪ ˈplænət]
• but: conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]
• which one little sheep: a single small sheep [wɪʧ wən ˈlɪtəl ʃip]
• can destroy: is able to ruin or demolish [kən dɪˈstrɔɪ]
• in a single bite: with just one act of biting [ɪn ə ˈsɪŋgəl baɪt]
• some morning: on a particular morning [səm ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• without even noticing: without even being aware [wɪˈθaʊt ˈivɪn ˈnoʊtɪsɪŋ]
• what he is doing: the action the sheep is performing [wət hi ɪz duɪŋ]
• Oh: exclamation expressing surprise or emotion [oʊ]

Fleur unique au monde.jpg

His face turned from white to red as he continued:

• His: belonging to or associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hɪz]
• face: the front part of the head, from the forehead to the chin [feɪs]
• turned: changed in color or appearance [tərnd]
• from white to red: indicating a change in color, likely due to embarrassment, anger, or exertion [frəm waɪt tɪ rɛd]
• as: used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is taking place [ɛz]
• he: referring to a male person previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• continued: went on speaking [kənˈtɪnjud]

"If some one loves a flower, of which just one single blossom grows in all the millions and millions of stars, it is enough to make him happy just to look at the stars.

• If: used to introduce a condition [ɪf]
• some one: an unspecified or unknown person [səm wən]
• loves: has a strong feeling of affection for [ləvz]
• a flower: a plant cultivated for its blooms or ornamental value [ə flaʊər]
• of which: relating to the flower [əv wɪʧ]
• just one: only one [ʤɪst wən]
• single: only one; not multiple [ˈsɪŋgəl]
• blossom: a flower or a mass of flowers, especially on a fruit tree [ˈblɑsəm]
• grows: exists and develops [groʊz]
• in all the millions and millions of stars: emphasizing the vast number of stars [ɪn ɔl ðə ˈmɪljənz ənd ˈmɪljənz əv stɑrz]
• it: referring to the situation described [ɪt]
• is enough: sufficient [ɪz ɪˈnəf]
• to make him happy: to cause him to feel pleasure or contentment [tɪ meɪk ɪm ˈhæpi]
• just to look at: simply by observing [ʤɪst tɪ lʊk æt]
• the stars: the celestial bodies visible at night [ðə stɑrz]

He can say to himself, 'Somewhere, my flower is there...' But if the sheep eats the flower, in one moment all his stars will be darkened...

• He: referring to the person who loves the flower [hi]
• can say: is able to express [kən seɪ]
• to himself: in his own thoughts [tɪ hɪmˈsɛlf]
• Somewhere: in an unspecified place [ˈsəmˌwɛr]
• my flower: the flower he loves [maɪ flaʊər]
• is there: exists in that place [ɪz ðɛr]
• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• the sheep: a farm animal with a thick woolly coat [ðə ʃip]
• eats: consumes as food [its]
• the flower: the specific flower [ðə flaʊər]
• in one moment: very quickly; instantly [ɪn wən ˈmoʊmənt]
• all his stars: representing his happiness and hope [ɔl hɪz stɑrz]
• will be darkened: will become sad and hopeless [wɪl bi ˈdɑrkənd]

He could not say anything more.

• He: referring to a male person previously mentioned or easily identified [hi]
• could not: was unable to [kʊd nɑt]
• say: utter words [seɪ]
• anything more: additional words [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ mɔr]

His words were choked by sobbing.

• His: belonging to or associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified [hɪz]
• words: the expressions of thoughts or feelings in speech [wərdz]
• were choked: were suppressed or blocked [wər ʧoʊkt]
• by sobbing: by crying with convulsive gasps [baɪ ˈsɑbɪŋ]

The night had fallen.

• The night: the period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours [ðə naɪt]
• had fallen: had arrived; become night [hæd ˈfɑlən]

I had let my tools drop from my hands.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• had let: allowed [hæd lɛt]
• my tools: instruments used to perform a task [maɪ tulz]
• drop: fall downwards [drɔp]
• from my hands: from my grasp [frəm maɪ hænz]

Of what moment now was my hammer, my bolt, or thirst, or death?

• Of what moment: of what importance [əv wət ˈmoʊmənt]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• was: past tense of 'is' [wɑz]
• my hammer: a tool with a heavy metal head used for driving nails [maɪ ˈhæmər]
• my bolt: a metal pin or rod, usually threaded, used to fasten things together [maɪ boʊlt]
• or thirst: a feeling of needing to drink [ər θərst]
• or death: the end of life [ər dɛθ]

On one star, one planet, my planet, the Earth, there was a little prince to be comforted.

• On: located at or above a surface [ɔn]
• one star: a celestial body [wən stɑr]
• one planet: a celestial body orbiting a star [wən ˈplænət]
• my planet: the planet belonging to the speaker [maɪ ˈplænət]
• the Earth: the planet on which we live [ðə ərθ]
• there was: there existed [ðɛr wɑz]
• a little prince: a young male ruler [ə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• to be comforted: needing to be consoled [tɪ bi ˈkəmfərtɪd]

I took him in my arms, and rocked him.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• took him: held him [tʊk ɪm]
• in my arms: embraced him [ɪn maɪ ɑrmz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• rocked him: moved him gently back and forth [rɑkt ɪm]

"The flower that you love is not in danger.

• The flower: a specific flower being referred to [ðə flaʊər]
• that you love: a flower that the listener or reader has affection for [ðət ju ləv]
• is not in danger: the flower is safe and will not be harmed [ɪz nɑt ɪn ˈdeɪnʤər]

I will draw you a muzzle for your sheep.

• I will draw: the speaker is offering to create a drawing [aɪ wɪl drɔ]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• a muzzle: a device placed over an animal's mouth to prevent it from biting or eating [ə ˈməzəl]
• for your sheep: intended to be used on the listener's sheep [fər jʊr ʃip]

I will draw you a railing to put around your flower.

• I will draw: the speaker is offering to create a drawing [aɪ wɪl drɔ]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• a railing: a barrier made of horizontal rails supported by posts [ə ˈreɪlɪŋ]
• to put around: to place something encircling another object [tɪ pʊt əraʊnd]
• your flower: the flower belonging to the person being addressed [jʊr flaʊər]

I did not know what to say to him.

• I did not know: the speaker lacked knowledge [aɪ dɪd nɑt noʊ]
• what to say: the speaker was unsure of the appropriate words to use [wət tɪ seɪ]
• to him: directed towards the person being spoken about [tɪ ɪm]

I felt awkward and blundering.

• I felt awkward: the speaker experienced a feeling of unease or embarrassment [aɪ fɛlt ˈɔkwərd]
• and blundering: clumsy and making mistakes [ənd ˈbləndərɪŋ]

I did not know how I could reach him, where I could overtake him and go on hand in hand with him once more.

• I did not know: the speaker lacked knowledge [aɪ dɪd nɑt noʊ]
• how I could reach him: how the speaker could connect with the other person emotionally or intellectually [haʊ aɪ kʊd riʧ ɪm]
• where I could overtake him: where the speaker could catch up with the other person, either physically or metaphorically [wɛr aɪ kʊd ˈoʊvərˌteɪk ɪm]
• and go on hand in hand: to proceed together in a close and harmonious manner [ənd goʊ ɔn hænd ɪn hænd]
• with him: together with the person being spoken about [wɪθ ɪm]
• once more: again; one more time [wəns mɔr]

It is such a secret place, the land of tears.

• It is: refers to a place or situation [ɪt ɪz]
• such a secret place: a location that is hidden or not easily discovered [səʧ ə ˈsikrɪt pleɪs]
• the land of tears: a metaphorical place associated with sadness and sorrow [ðə lænd əv tɪrz]

VIII

I soon learned to know this flower better.

• I soon learned: the speaker quickly acquired knowledge [aɪ sun ˈlərnɪd]
• to know this flower better: to become more familiar with the flower [tɪ noʊ ðɪs flaʊər ˈbɛtər]

On the little prince's planet the flowers had always been very simple.

• On the little prince's planet: referring to the home of the character known as the little prince [ɔn ðə ˈlɪtəl ˈprɪnsɪz ˈplænət]
• the flowers had always been: the flowers consistently were in the past [ðə flaʊərz hæd ˈɔlˌweɪz bɪn]
• very simple: not complex or elaborate [ˈvɛri ˈsɪmpəl]

They had only one ring of petals; they took up no room at all; they were a trouble to nobody.

• They had only one ring of petals: the flowers possessed a single layer of petal arrangements [ðeɪ hæd ˈoʊnli wən rɪŋ əv ˈpɛtəlz]
• they took up no room at all: they occupied very little space [ðeɪ tʊk əp noʊ rum æt ɔl]
• they were a trouble to nobody: they did not cause any inconvenience or problems [ðeɪ wər ə ˈtrəbəl tɪ ˈnoʊˌbɑˌdi]

One morning they would appear in the grass, and by night they would have faded peacefully away.

• One morning: a particular morning [wən ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• they would appear: they would become visible [ðeɪ wʊd əˈpɪr]
• in the grass: among the blades of grass [ɪn ðə græs]
• and by night: as night fell [ənd baɪ naɪt]
• they would have faded peacefully away: they would have withered and disappeared without causing any disturbance [ðeɪ wʊd hæv ˈfeɪdɪd ˈpisfəli əˈweɪ]

But one day, from a seed blown from no one knew where, a new flower had come up; and the little prince had watched very closely over this small sprout which was not like any other small sprouts on his planet.

• But one day: on a particular day [bət wən deɪ]
• from a seed blown: originating from a seed carried by the wind [frəm ə sid bloʊn]
• from no one knew where: from an unknown location [frəm noʊ wən nu wɛr]
• a new flower: a flower that had not been seen before [ə nu flaʊər]
• had come up: had sprouted or emerged [hæd kəm əp]
• and the little prince: referring to the character known as the little prince [ənd ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• had watched very closely: had observed with great attention [hæd wɔʧt ˈvɛri ˈkloʊsli]
• over this small sprout: carefully monitoring the young plant [ˈoʊvər ðɪs smɔl spraʊt]
• which was not like any other small sprouts: that was different from all the other young plants [wɪʧ wɑz nɑt laɪk ˈɛni ˈəðər smɔl spraʊts]
• on his planet: in his home world [ɔn hɪz ˈplænət]

It might, you see, have been a new kind of baobab.

• It might, you see: it was possible, understand [ɪt maɪt ju si]
• have been: could have been [hæv bɪn]
• a new kind of baobab: a different type of large tree [ə nu kaɪnd əv baobab]