Section 77
The Dog in the Manger explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Dog was lying in a Manger on the hay which had been put there for the cattle, and when they came and tried to eat, he growled and snapped at them and wouldn't let them get at their food. "What a selfish beast," said one of them to his companions; "he can't eat himself and yet he...
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Public-domain original
A Dog was lying in a Manger on the hay which had been put there for
the cattle, and when they came and tried to eat, he growled and
snapped at them and wouldn't let them get at their food. "What a
selfish beast," said one of them to his companions; "he can't eat
himself and yet he won't let those eat who can."
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A dog prevents cattle from eating hay he cannot eat himself.
Why this scene matters
This fable condemns people who block others from using what they cannot use themselves.
Characters in this scene
- Dog in the Manger: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
A dog lies in a manger and snarls at cattle. He cannot eat the hay, but he will not let them eat it either.