THE ASS and THE LAP-DOG
by Aesop · from Aesop's Fables; a new translation
Adapted Version
A farmer lived on a farm. He had two animals. One was a big Donkey. One was a small Little Dog. They lived very different lives. The Donkey lived in the stable. The Little Dog lived in the house.
The big Donkey worked hard. He carried heavy things for the Farmer. He was strong and helpful. The Farmer gave him good food. The Donkey ate hay and oats. He was always well-fed. He was a good worker.
The small Little Dog had an easy life. The Farmer loved him very much. He often held the Little Dog. He gave him many cuddles. The Little Dog sat on the Farmer's lap. He got special food too. He was a happy pet.
The Donkey watched the Little Dog. He saw the cuddles and the treats. The Donkey felt sad. He felt jealous. He wanted that easy life. He wanted cuddles from the Farmer. "Why not me?" he thought.
One day, the Donkey made a plan. He wanted to go inside. He broke his rope. He walked to the house. The door was open. He went right in. He wanted to be with the Farmer.
The Farmer sat for dinner. The Donkey came inside. He saw the Little Dog play. The Donkey wanted to play too. He tried to jump and prance. He was too big and clumsy. He knocked over the table. Food fell on the floor. It was a big mess.
The Little Dog jumped on the Farmer's lap. The Donkey saw this. He wanted to do it too. He tried to jump on the Farmer. The Farmer was very surprised. The Donkey was too big. The Farmer was not happy.
The Helpers came quickly. They saw the big mess. They saw the big Donkey. "Go outside, Donkey!" they said. They guided him gently. They led him out the door. The house was not for him. He must go to his stable.
The Helpers led the Donkey away. They took him to his stable. The Donkey felt very sad. He was also confused. He just wanted cuddles. He was back in his own place. He was not hurt.
The Donkey thought about it. He felt bad for his actions. He was a big Donkey. He was not a small dog. He should be happy with himself. It is good to be happy with who you are. Do not try to be like others. It is not right for you.
Original Story
THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG
There was once a man who had an Ass and a Lap-dog. The Ass was housed in the stable with plenty of oats and hay to eat and was as well off as an ass could be. The little Dog was made a great pet of by his master, who fondled him and often let him lie in his lap; and if he went out to dinner, he would bring back a tit-bit or two to give him when he ran to meet him on his return. The Ass had, it is true, a good deal of work to do, carting or grinding the corn, or carrying the burdens of the farm: and ere long he became very jealous, contrasting his own life of labour with the ease and idleness of the Lap-dog. At last one day he broke his halter, and frisking into the house just as his master sat down to dinner, he pranced and capered about, mimicking the frolics of the little favourite, upsetting the table and smashing the crockery with his clumsy efforts. Not content with that, he even tried to jump on his master's lap, as he had so often seen the dog allowed to do. At that the servants, seeing the danger their master was in, belaboured the silly Ass with sticks and cudgels, and drove him back to his stable half dead with his beating. "Alas!" he cried, "all this I have brought on myself. Why could I not be satisfied with my natural and honourable position, without wishing to imitate the ridiculous antics of that useless little Lap-dog?"
Story DNA
Moral
Be content with your own lot and do not try to imitate others in ways unsuited to your nature.
Plot Summary
A man owns a hardworking Ass and a pampered Lap-dog. The Ass grows jealous of the dog's easy life and the master's affection. Driven by envy, the Ass breaks free and attempts to mimic the Lap-dog's playful antics, causing chaos and endangering his master. As a result, the servants beat the Ass severely and drive him back to the stable, where he realizes the folly of his actions and the importance of being content with his own nature.
Themes
Emotional Arc
envy to regret
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables are a collection of ancient Greek stories, many featuring anthropomorphic animals, intended to convey moral lessons. They reflect common societal roles and values of the time.
Plot Beats (10)
- A man owns an Ass and a Lap-dog, each living very different lives.
- The Ass works hard, carrying burdens and grinding corn, but is well-fed.
- The Lap-dog is pampered, fondled by the master, and receives special treats.
- The Ass becomes jealous of the Lap-dog's easy, affectionate life.
- One day, the Ass breaks his halter and enters the house.
- The Ass attempts to mimic the Lap-dog's playful frolics, upsetting the dinner table and breaking crockery.
- The Ass tries to jump onto his master's lap, as he had seen the dog do.
- Servants intervene, seeing the danger, and beat the Ass with sticks.
- The Ass is driven back to his stable, half-dead from the beating.
- The Ass laments his actions, realizing he brought the suffering upon himself by not being content with his own position and imitating others.
Characters
★
The Ass
A sturdy, medium-sized donkey with a strong, muscular build, typical of a working farm animal. His coat is a dusty grey-brown, coarse to the touch, with a slightly lighter belly. He has long, floppy ears that often droop slightly, and a short, bristly mane.
Attire: None, as an animal. He is unadorned, save for a simple, worn rope halter, which he eventually breaks.
Wants: To receive the same affection, attention, and easy life as the Lap-dog, believing it will bring him happiness and recognition.
Flaw: Envy and a lack of self-awareness regarding his own nature and capabilities. He fails to understand that his value lies in his strength and utility, not in mimicking others.
He begins as a hardworking but envious creature, attempts to change his nature to gain affection, suffers greatly for it, and ends with a painful realization about self-acceptance and the folly of coveting others' lives.
Jealous, envious, hardworking, clumsy, ultimately regretful. He yearns for affection and ease.
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The Lap-dog
A small, fluffy dog, likely a breed known for companionship, such as a Maltese or a Bichon Frise. His fur is soft, white, and well-groomed, often appearing slightly curly or wavy. He is delicate in build, with slender legs and a wagging tail.
Attire: None, as an animal. He is naturally adorned with his soft, white fur.
Wants: To receive and give affection to his master, to play and enjoy his comfortable life.
Flaw: Perhaps a slight over-reliance on his master's pampering, but he has no significant flaws within the story's context.
Remains unchanged, serving as a foil to the Ass and representing the life the Ass desires.
Affectionate, playful, pampered, innocent (unaware of the Ass's jealousy).
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The Master
A man of sturdy build, likely a farmer or landowner, accustomed to managing a household and farm. His hands are probably calloused from work, and his face shows signs of outdoor life.
Attire: Simple, functional clothing typical of a farmer or landowner in an ancient or rural setting. Perhaps a tunic made of coarse linen or wool, cinched with a leather belt, and sturdy trousers or breeches. Earthy tones like brown, grey, or undyed fabric.
Wants: To manage his farm and household, and to enjoy the companionship of his pets in their appropriate roles.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps a slight unawareness of the Ass's emotional state.
Remains unchanged, serving as the authority figure who sets the boundaries for his animals.
Affectionate (towards the dog), practical, discerning, firm (when the Ass misbehaves).
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The Servants
Likely robust individuals, accustomed to farm work and household duties. Their build would be practical, not delicate.
Attire: Simple, durable clothing suitable for farm laborers or household staff in an ancient or rural setting. Tunics, smocks, and trousers in coarse, earthy fabrics like linen or wool. Colors would be muted and practical.
Wants: To protect their master and maintain order in the household.
Flaw: None shown.
Remain unchanged, acting as agents of the Master's will and the established order.
Loyal (to the master), protective, firm, practical.
Locations
Farm Stable
A rustic stable, likely part of a European farm, with wooden stalls and a dirt or straw-covered floor. It is well-stocked with feed.
Mood: Functional, somewhat mundane, initially comfortable for the ass, later a place of refuge after punishment.
The Ass's primary dwelling and place of work, where he observes the Lap-dog's pampered life and later returns after his beating.
Farmhouse Interior - Dining Area
A simple, functional dining area within a European farmhouse, likely with a wooden table and chairs. It's where the master dines and interacts affectionately with his lap-dog.
Mood: Initially cozy and domestic, then chaotic and dangerous due to the Ass's antics, finally relieved but tense.
The climax of the story, where the Ass attempts to mimic the Lap-dog, causing destruction and receiving a severe beating.
Farmyard Path
The path leading from the stable to the farmhouse, likely unpaved and trodden earth, where the Lap-dog greets the master.
Mood: Anticipatory and welcoming for the Lap-dog, but a path of transgression for the Ass.
The Lap-dog's routine of greeting the master upon his return, which fuels the Ass's jealousy.