Section 267

The Fox and the Snake explained simply

Aesop's Fables by Aesop

Original excerpt

Excerpt preview

A Snake, in crossing a river, was carried away by the current, but managed to wriggle on to a bundle of thorns which was floating by, and was thus carried at a great rate down-stream. A Fox caught sight of it from the bank as it went whirling along, and called out, "Gad! the p...
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Public-domain original

A Snake, in crossing a river, was carried away by the current, but managed to wriggle on to a bundle of thorns which was floating by, and was thus carried at a great rate down-stream. A Fox caught sight of it from the bank as it went whirling along, and called out, "Gad! the passenger fits the ship!"

Public-domain original text shown for study context.

What happens here

A short fable about The Fox and The Snake shows how choices, assumptions, or desires can lead to consequences.

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 Snake: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.

Simple story version

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