Key Concepts

Fable Argument Explanation
"The Fox and the Grapes" It is easy to despise what you cannot get. The fable tells the story of a fox that sees some high-hanging grapes and tries to reach them but cannot. Instead of admitting defeat, the fox convinces itself that the grapes are sour, and it didn't want them anyway. The argument is that people often try to rationalize their failure by belittling or rejecting what they cannot obtain.
"The Ant and the Grasshopper" Hard work and preparation are essential for survival. In this fable, the ant works hard all summer to gather food for the winter, while the grasshopper spends its time singing and playing. When winter arrives, the grasshopper has no food and begs the ant for help. The ant refuses, arguing that the grasshopper should have worked and prepared during the summer. The argument is that one should not rely on others for survival and that hard work and preparation are crucial.
"The Tortoise and the Hare" Slow and steady wins the race. The fable tells the story of a race between a tortoise and a hare. The hare, being much faster, mocks the tortoise and takes a nap during the race. The tortoise, moving slowly but steadily, eventually wins the race. The argument is that persistence and determination can overcome speed and arrogance, and that one should not underestimate the power of slow but steady progress.
"The Lion and the Mouse" There is no being so small that it cannot help a greater. In this fable, a lion spares a mouse's life, and later, the mouse repays the favor by gnawing through the ropes that bind the lion. The argument is that even the most powerful creatures can benefit from the help of the most insignificant ones, and that one should never underestimate the potential value of any being, no matter how small or weak it may seem.

Quotes

Fable Quote
The Tortoise and the Hare "The race is not always to the swift."
The Boy Who Cried Wolf "There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth."
The Fox and the Grapes "It is easy to despise what you cannot have."
The Ant and the Grasshopper "It is best to prepare for the days of necessity."
The Lion and the Mouse "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
The Fox and the Crow "Flattery can sometimes lead to one's downfall."
The Dog and the Bone "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow."
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing "Appearances can be deceptive."
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse "Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear."

Contents

Fable Summary Moral
The Tortoise and the Hare A hare ridicules a slow-moving tortoise. The tortoise challenges him to a race, which the hare eagerly accepts. The hare runs ahead and then takes a nap, confident that he will win. Meanwhile, the tortoise keeps moving slowly but steadily and eventually wins the race. Slow and steady wins the race.
The Fox and the Grapes A hungry fox tries to reach some high-hanging grapes. He tries everything but fails to reach them. In the end, he walks away, saying the grapes were probably sour anyway. It's easy to despise what you cannot have.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf A shepherd boy repeatedly tricks the villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. When a wolf actually does appear, the villagers do not believe his cries for help, and the wolf devours the sheep. No one believes a liar, even when he is telling the truth.
The Lion and the Mouse A lion spares a mouse that it was going to eat. Later, the mouse repays the lion by gnawing through the ropes that bind it, setting the lion free from a hunter's net. Little friends may prove great friends.
The Ant and the Grasshopper In the summer, the hardworking ants store food for the winter while the grasshopper plays and sings. When winter comes, the grasshopper has no food and begs the ants for help. The ants scold him and tell him to dance the winter away, just as he did during the summer. It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse A country mouse visits his urban cousin and experiences the city's luxuries. Despite the gourmet food, the country mouse is frightened by a cat and decides to return to the simpler, safer country life. Better a modest life with peace and safety than riches with fear and uncertainty.
The Fox and the Crow A crow has a piece of cheese and a fox flatters the crow to make him drop it. The crow starts to sing, dropping the cheese, which the fox quickly grabs. Do not trust flatterers.
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing A wolf disguises itself in a sheep's skin and infiltrates the flock. The shepherd does not notice and inadvertently kills the wolf thinking he is killing a sheep. Appearances can be deceiving.