Les traces de mythes dans Le Petit Prince d'Antoine Saint-Exupery : Une analyse fondée sur la théorie du Carl Gustav Jung

The aim of this study is to analyse the patterns of ancient myths that can be found in the novel Le Petit Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery. In order to understand the culture and human behavior we will draw parallels to ancient myths and through the discovered myths in the novel, we will use the help of Carl Gustav Jung’s theory about the human psyche. The main questions are the following : What are the patterns of ancient myths in the novel Le Petit Prince ? Do these myths carry any messages that we, as readers, can learn from ? In the introduction, a theorical backround is given which defines the concept of myth and explains briefly Jung’s theory. Our analysis shows that although myths differ from one another they all have the same roots. By this means, all characters in myths are archetypes that, according to Jung, are the same through history and in every culture. By studying the archetypes in this novel, like the divine child, Anima/Animus, the Sages etc., we are able to understand the plot more clearly. We are also aware of patterns that seem to repeat themselves through the generations. Our conclusion is that humans adapt easily to their surroundings and eventually lose their self-awareness. Therefore Saint-Exupery sends readers the message that we have to wake ourselves up to truly live our lives. Also we discovered that numerous archetypes that are present in all of myths, give us clues to self-realization, thus myths are necessary for people of all ages