FABLE LXXXI
by Aesop
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there was a big Donkey. He lived on a farm. A kind Farmer lived there too. The Farmer had a Little Dog. The Little Dog was small. It was very happy. The Little Dog jumped. It wagged its tail. The Farmer gave it food. He petted the Little Dog. He loved the Little Dog.
The Donkey saw this. He felt sad. He wanted love too. He wanted good food. He wanted the Farmer to pet him. "I will do what the dog does," thought the Donkey. "I will jump. I will wag my tail. Then the Farmer will love me."
One day, the Farmer came home. He sat in his chair. The Donkey saw him. The Donkey ran to the Farmer. He wanted to be like the dog. He made a loud sound. "Hee-haw!" The Donkey moved his big body. He moved in a funny way. He was very clumsy.
The Farmer saw the Donkey. He laughed. "Ha ha!" he said. The Donkey thought, "He is happy! He likes me!" The Donkey felt good. He wanted more love. He wanted to play more.
The Donkey stood up. He stood on his back legs. He was very big. He was very heavy. He wanted to jump. He wanted to jump on the Farmer's lap. Like the Little Dog. The Donkey leaned on the Farmer. He nudged the Farmer. The Farmer felt the big Donkey. The Donkey was too big. He was too heavy for the Farmer.
The Farmer was surprised. He was scared. The Donkey was so big. The Donkey was so strong. The Farmer could not hold the big Donkey. The Donkey was too heavy. The Farmer cried out loud. "Help! Help!" he called. He needed help from someone.
A Farmhand heard the call. He came quickly. The Farmhand took the Donkey. He led the Donkey away. He was gentle with the Donkey. He was firm. The Donkey was confused. He did not understand why. He felt very sad.
The Donkey was sad. He felt confused. He wanted love. He tried to be a dog. But he was a Donkey. He was big. He was not small. He learned a lesson. It was good to be a Donkey. Not a dog. Everyone is special. It is good to be yourself.
Original Story
FABLE LXXXI.
*THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG.*
The Ass observing how great a favourite the Little Dog was with his master, how much caressed and fondled, and fed with good bits at every meal; and for no other reason, as he could perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up into his master's lap; he was resolved to imitate the same, and see whether such a behaviour would not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master was no sooner come home from walking about his fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy chair, but the Ass, who observed him, came gamboling and braying towards him, in a very awkward manner. The master could not help laughing aloud at the odd sight. But his jest was soon turned into earnest, when he felt the rough salute of the Ass's fore-feet, who, raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped into his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous behaviour, and unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; upon which, one of his servants running in with a good stick, and laying on heartily upon the bones of the poor Ass, soon convinced him that every one who desires it is not qualified to be a favourite.
APPLICATION.
Some men are as engaging in their ways as little dogs. They can fawn, wheedle, cringe, or, if occasion requires, leap backward and forward over a stick, to the great emolument of their master, and entertainment of those that behold them. But these are qualifications to which every body cannot pretend; and therefore none but those who have a genius for it should aspire at the employment. Many a man envies the happiness of these favourites, and would fain insinuate himself into the same good graces, if he did but know the way; but, whoever has a tolerable share of discretion, will distrust his abilities in this respect, and modestly forbear the attempt, for fear he should miscarry and look like an Ass. But, in short, the true moral of this fable is, that every one should consider the just turn and temper of his parts, and weigh the talents by which he hopes to be distinguished. After such an examination, he may the more certainly know how to apply them to the most proper purposes; at least, so as not to hurt, or even mortify himself, by any mistaken address. Since there is such a variety of tempers in the world, and a no less multiplicity of arts and studies to fit and tally with them, how reasonable is it in general, and how much would it be for the true interest of every one in particular, if men would but be directed, by the natural bent of their genius, to such pursuits as are most agreeable to their capacities, and to the rudiments of education which they have most strongly imbibed.
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Moral of the Story
Everyone should understand their own strengths and limitations, and not try to imitate others in ways that are unnatural or inappropriate for them.
Characters
The Ass ★ protagonist
A sturdy, medium-sized donkey with a grey-brown coat, rough and coarse to the touch. He possesses a strong, stocky build with thick legs and large, expressive ears that often droop slightly. His movements are generally heavy and somewhat clumsy.
Attire: None, as he is an animal.
Wants: To gain his master's affection and be treated as a favorite, receiving good food and caresses.
Flaw: Lack of self-awareness and inability to understand his own nature and limitations; his clumsy attempts at affection are perceived as aggression.
Starts by envying the Little Dog's favored status and attempts to replicate its behavior. He learns a harsh lesson that not all actions are suitable for all creatures, ending up beaten and presumably chastened.
Envious, imitative, naive, well-meaning but misguided, clumsy.
The Little Dog ◆ supporting
A small, agile dog, likely a terrier or similar breed, with a lively and energetic build. Its fur is probably short or medium length, allowing for easy movement and a playful appearance.
Attire: None, as he is an animal.
Wants: To express its joy and affection for its master, and in doing so, receive caresses and treats.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps a slight naivety in not understanding the Ass's envy.
Remains consistently a favored pet, serving as a foil to the Ass's misguided attempts.
Playful, affectionate, loyal, charming, energetic.
The Master ◆ supporting
A man of comfortable means, likely middle-aged, with a sturdy but not overly robust build, suggesting a life of managing his fields and gardens. His height is average.
Attire: Simple but well-made country attire suitable for overseeing fields and gardens. This might include a sturdy linen shirt, practical breeches or trousers in a muted color like brown or green, and a waistcoat. When seated, he would be in comfortable, clean clothes.
Wants: To enjoy the comforts of his home and the companionship of his pets, and to maintain order and safety.
Flaw: Initially too amused to react immediately to the Ass's behavior, leading to a moment of terror.
Begins by enjoying the affection of his dog and is amused by the Ass's initial clumsy imitation. His amusement quickly turns to terror, leading him to call for intervention, thus reinforcing the natural order of his household.
Affectionate (towards the dog), amused, easily terrified (by the Ass), practical, decisive.
The Servant ○ minor
A strong, capable man, likely of average height and build, suitable for farm work and household duties. His movements are swift and decisive.
Attire: Simple, durable working clothes, such as a coarse linen tunic or shirt, sturdy trousers, and perhaps a leather apron, in earthy tones like brown or grey.
Wants: To protect his master and maintain order, responding immediately to his master's cry for help.
Flaw: None shown.
Appears briefly to resolve the conflict, acting as an instrument of the Master's will.
Obedient, quick-thinking, decisive, firm.
Locations
Master's Estate Fields and Gardens
Expansive agricultural fields and cultivated gardens surrounding the master's home, where he takes walks.
Mood: Peaceful, productive, typical rural estate.
The master returns from here before the Ass's attempt to gain favor.
Master's Living Area
A comfortable, lived-in room within the master's home, furnished with an easy chair.
Mood: Cozy, domestic, initially relaxed before turning chaotic.
The Ass attempts to imitate the dog's affectionate behavior here, leading to chaos and his punishment.
Story DNA
Moral
Everyone should understand their own strengths and limitations, and not try to imitate others in ways that are unnatural or inappropriate for them.
Plot Summary
An Ass, observing the affection and treats his master bestows upon a playful Little Dog, becomes envious and decides to imitate the dog's charming antics. When the master returns home, the Ass awkwardly gambols and braying, then rears up to paw at the master's chest, attempting to jump into his lap. Terrified by the heavy beast's rough affection, the master cries out, and a servant beats the Ass, teaching it a painful lesson that not everyone is suited to be a favorite in the same way.
Themes
Emotional Arc
envy to painful realization
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables are ancient stories attributed to a slave and storyteller named Aesop in ancient Greece. They typically feature anthropomorphic animals and conclude with a moral lesson.
Plot Beats (8)
- An Ass observes his master's Little Dog receiving much affection and treats for its playful behavior.
- The Ass, envious, decides to mimic the dog's actions to win the same favor.
- When the master returns home and sits down, the Ass approaches him, braying and gamboling awkwardly.
- The master initially finds the Ass's antics amusing and laughs.
- The Ass then rears up on its hind legs and paws at the master's chest, attempting to jump into his lap.
- Terrified and hurt by the heavy beast, the master cries out for help.
- A servant quickly arrives with a stick and beats the Ass.
- The Ass learns painfully that not everyone is suited to be a favorite in the same way.
