And they heard the roaring thunder of a third brilliantly lighted express.Are they pursuing the first travelers? demanded the little prince.They are pursuing nothing at all, said the switchman. They are asleep in there, or if they are not asleep they are yawning. Only the children are flattening their noses against the windowpanes.Only the children know what they are looking for, said the little prince. They waste their time over a rag doll and it becomes very important to them; and if anybody takes it away from them, they cry...They are lucky, the switchman said.
In this passage, the little prince observes a busy express train and questions the switchman about its purpose. The switchman reveals that the passengers inside are either asleep or uninterested, highlighting a disconnect with life as they passively engage with the journey. This reflects a theme of adult indifference, contrasting with the curiosity and enthusiasm of children.
The little prince notes that children have a unique understanding of what is truly valuable, illustrated by their attachment to seemingly trivial objects, like a rag doll. This attachment is significant and evokes strong emotions, indicating that children find joy and meaning in their simple pursuits. The switchman acknowledges this simplicity as a fortunate quality, further underlining the contrast between the innocence of childhood and the somber passivity of adults.
