Section 266

The Fox and the Bramble explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

Excerpt preview

In making his way through a hedge a Fox missed his footing and caught at a to save himself from falling. Naturally, he got badly scratched, and in disgust he cried to the Bramble, "It was your help I wanted, and see how you have treated me! I'd sooner have fallen outri...
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Public-domain original

In making his way through a hedge a Fox missed his footing and caught at a to save himself from falling. Naturally, he got badly scratched, and in disgust he cried to the Bramble, "It was your help I wanted, and see how you have treated me! I'd sooner have fallen outright." The Bramble, interrupting him, replied, "You must have lost your wits, my friend, to catch at me, who am myself always catching at others."

Public-domain original text shown for study context. Underlined terms can be tapped for simple reader notes.

What happens here

In making his way through a hedge a Fox missed his footing and caught at a Bramble to save himself from falling.

Why this scene matters

This fable matters because it turns a common human habit into a short lesson about judgment and consequences.

Characters in this scene

  • The Fox: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
  • The Bramble: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.

Simple story version

In simple terms, The Fox and The Bramble face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.