Section 173
The Wolf and the Boy explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
A Wolf, who had just enjoyed a good meal and was in a playful mood, caught sight of a Boy lying flat upon the ground, and, realising that he was trying to hide, and that it was fear of himself that made him do this, he went up to him and said, "Aha, I've found you, you see; bu...
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Public-domain original
A Wolf, who had just enjoyed a good meal and was in a playful mood,
caught sight of a Boy lying flat upon the ground, and, realising that
he was trying to hide, and that it was fear of himself that made him
do this, he went up to him and said, "Aha, I've found you, you see;
but if you can say three things to me, the truth of which cannot be
disputed, I will spare your life." The Boy plucked up courage and
thought for a moment, and then he said, "First, it is a pity you saw
me; secondly, I was a fool to let myself be seen; and thirdly, we all
hate wolves because they are always making unprovoked attacks upon our
flocks." The Wolf replied, "Well, what you say is true enough from
your point of view; so you may go."
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A short fable about The Wolf and The Boy 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 Wolf: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
- The Boy: A figure in the fable whose choice helps reveal the lesson.
Simple story version
In simple terms, The Wolf and The Boy face a small situation that reveals a larger lesson about behavior and consequences.