Section 145
The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
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A Wolf charged a Fox with theft, which he denied, and the case was brought before an Ape to be tried. When he had heard the evidence on both sides, the Ape gave judgment as follows: "I do not think," he said, "that you, O Wolf, ever lost what you claim; but all the same I believe that...
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Public-domain original
A Wolf charged a Fox with theft, which he denied, and the case was
brought before an Ape to be tried. When he had heard the evidence on
both sides, the Ape gave judgment as follows: "I do not think," he
said, "that you, O Wolf, ever lost what you claim; but all the same I
believe that you, Fox, are guilty of the theft, in spite of all your
denials."
The dishonest get no credit, even if they act honestly.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
An ape judges between a wolf and fox and condemns both characters.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows that bad reputations can undermine both accusation and defense.
Characters in this scene
- Wolf: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Fox: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
- the Ape: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
The wolf accuses the fox of theft. The ape says the wolf likely lost nothing and the fox likely stole something anyway.