The Department of French Language at The Khaitan School, Noida, recently hosted an engaging and insightful book talk on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless masterpiece, The Little Prince. The session, held on 12th August 2025, was led by Ms. Jagriti Chaddha and Ms. Vaishali Sharma, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 33 students.
The initiative aimed to immerse students in the richness of French literature while cultivating a deeper love for reading. The Little Prince, a celebrated philosophical fable, was thoughtfully chosen for its universal themes and its status as a cornerstone of French literary heritage.
The presentation illuminated the multiple layers of the narrative, from its seemingly simple storyline to its profound philosophical underpinnings. Students explored the symbolic significance of allegorical characters such as the Geographer, the King, and the Lamplighter, each representing aspects of adult follies. Ms. Jagriti further guided the discussion around the novella’s central themes of love, loss, friendship, and human connection—highlighting the iconic line, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The interactive session encouraged students to share interpretations and raise questions, which were addressed with clarity and depth. The lively engagement reflected not only the enduring appeal of the novella but also the effectiveness of the presentation. A unique highlight was Ms. Jagriti’s self-written poem, presented as a summary of the book. Her words motivated students to not only read French literature but also express their reflections through writing.
This literary endeavour successfully reminded students of the beauty and depth inherent in French literature. It reinforced the department’s commitment to broadening literary horizons, nurturing a culture of critical thinking, and inspiring young minds to become readers, writers, and poets.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants has set the stage for more such enriching explorations, strengthening The Khaitan School’s commitment to holistic education and fostering a lifelong love for literature.
