VOYAGE INITIATIQUE DANS LE DÉSERT EXUPÉRIEN
THE INITIATORY JOURNEY INTO THE SAINT-EXUPÉRY DESERT

Summary/Abstract: Through his writing, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry proposes to us an initiatory journey into the african desert. This journey begins with the novel “Southern Mail ”Southern Mail, then continues with “Wind, Sand and Stars”(“Terre des Hommes”) and ends when the protagonist of “The Little Prince” story manages to find a fountain whose water not only quenches thirst but also brings a new perspective on the entire universe. Besides the initiatic journey, the desert also contains a number of interesting significations. The protagonist discovers the sense of dignity and nobility that an endless stretch of sand brings, and learns the passions that make people always play in the same play whose rules only they know. He understands the invaluable value of water for the desert people, who are looking for an oasis for days in a row. For them water is seen as a divine gift. The aeroplane crash of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the desert of Libya constitutes a painful and enlightening experience at the same time. The miracle of the appearance of the Bedouin man who saved him and Prevot is depicted on a memorable page which constitutes a hymn to water, viewed as a symbol of life. In the end, all the experiences gained in the long journey through the desert bring a better understanding of life and eternal values such as generosity, friendship, human communion.

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