FABLE XXXV
by John Gay
The Proud Barley and the Helpful Dirt
In a big yard is a Big Barley. Big Barley is very big. Big Barley is very proud. It is yellow and tall. It is strong and bright. At times, big things forget good things. They forget who helps them grow.
The Farmer has a big, green yard. The Farmer looks at all his things. He sees his happy cows. The cows eat green grass. He sees his busy chickens. The chickens peck the ground for seeds. Then he sees Big Barley standing tall. The Farmer smiles. He is very happy. He has a very good farm.
But Big Barley sees the Helpful Dirt Pile. The dirt is right next to Big Barley. Big Barley shakes its head. It makes a big frown. Big Barley is not happy at all. It talks loud to The Farmer. "Farmer, see that yucky dirt!" says Big Barley. "I do not like that dirt."
Big Barley stands up even taller. "I am great!" it says proudly. "I am the best thing on this farm! I make yummy bread for The Farmer. The Farmer eats my yummy bread all the time. I am very good. I am the best."
Big Barley looks at the dirt again. It points with a leaf. "That dirt is brown," Big Barley says. "That dirt is messy and ugly. Move the dirt now. Move it far away from me! I do not want it here now."
Then, a voice speaks. It is a very quiet voice. The Helpful Dirt Pile speaks. Its voice is soft and kind. "Wait, Big Barley," it says gently. "Please do not be so angry. I am here to help you. I give you my special food. My food helps you grow so tall. My food helps you grow so strong. My food makes you big and yellow."
The Helpful Dirt Pile talks more. "Think of when you were small? You were small and green. Without my food, you are weak. You are not big and yellow. My food helps you become big. My food helps you become strong. I am happy to help you."
"I helped you grow each day. I gave you all my best food. Now you are not nice to me. You do not say a thank you. You should always be kind to others. It is good to think of who helps you."
Original Story
FABLE XXXV.
Barleymow and Dunghill.
How many saucy beaux we meet 'Twixt Westminster and Aldgate-street! Rascals—the mushrooms of a day, Who sprung and shared the South Sea prey, Nor in their zenith condescend To own or know the humble friend.
A careful farmer took his way Across his yard at break of day: He leant a moment o'er the rail, To hear the music of the flail; In his quick eye he viewed his stock,— The geese, the hogs, the fleecy flock.
A barleymow there, fat as mutton, Then held her master by the button: "Master, my heart and soul are wrung—till They can't abide that dirty dunghill: Master, you know I make your beer— You boast of me at Christmas cheer; Then why insult me and disgrace me, And next to that vile dunghill place me? By Jove! it gives my nose offence: Command the hinds to cart it hence."
"You stupid Barleymow," said Dunghill; "You talk about your heart and wrung-ill: Where would you be, I'd like to know, Had I not fed and made you grow? You of October brew brag—pshaw! You would have been a husk of straw. And now, instead of gratitude, You rail in this ungrateful mood."
Moral of the Story
Those who rise to prominence should not forget or disdain the humble origins and support that enabled their success.
Characters
Barleymow ★ protagonist
A large, rounded mound of dried barley stalks and grains, appearing 'fat as mutton' due to its abundance and plumpness. It is golden-yellow in color, with individual stalks visible, suggesting a rich harvest.
Attire: N/A (it is a mound of barley, not a dressed character).
Wants: To maintain its perceived superior status and distance itself from what it considers 'dirty' and 'vile'. It desires respect and admiration for its contribution.
Flaw: Pride and a lack of gratitude, which blinds it to its origins and dependence on others.
Remains unchanged in its arrogance, but its perspective is challenged by Dunghill.
Arrogant, proud, ungrateful, self-important, disdainful, class-conscious (in its own way).
Dunghill ◆ supporting
A large, dark, earthy mound of decomposing organic matter, likely steaming slightly and emitting a strong odor. It would appear rich and fertile, though visually 'dirty' compared to the golden barley.
Attire: N/A (it is a mound of compost, not a dressed character).
Wants: To assert its fundamental importance and remind Barleymow of its origins and the cycle of life and growth.
Flaw: Perceived as 'dirty' and 'vile' by others, leading to disdain.
Remains unchanged, serving as a voice of reason and truth.
Wise, humble, direct, logical, patient, resilient, slightly sarcastic.
Farmer ○ minor
A sturdy, practical man of average height and build, with hands calloused from work. His skin is tanned from outdoor labor, and his face shows the lines of experience and care. He moves with purpose and efficiency.
Attire: Simple, durable working clothes typical of an 18th-century English farmer: a sturdy linen or wool smock or waistcoat in muted earth tones (brown, grey, dark green), practical breeches, thick woolen stockings, and sturdy leather boots. Perhaps a wide-brimmed hat to shield from the sun.
Wants: To manage his farm effectively and ensure the well-being and productivity of his assets.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps a tendency to overlook the 'humble' aspects of his farm until they demand attention.
Remains a silent observer, representing the perspective of the owner and beneficiary of both Barleymow and Dunghill.
Careful, observant, practical, appreciative of his stock and land.
Locations
Farmer's Yard at Dawn
A bustling English farmyard at the first light of day, with the farmer leaning over a wooden rail, observing his livestock and the activity. The air is cool and fresh, with the sounds of morning work.
Mood: Productive, earthy, slightly rustic, with a sense of routine and the start of a new day.
The farmer surveys his property, and the Barleymow begins its complaint to him about the Dunghill.
Story DNA
Moral
Those who rise to prominence should not forget or disdain the humble origins and support that enabled their success.
Plot Summary
The fable begins with a commentary on newly wealthy individuals who forget their humble friends. It then shifts to a farmer's yard where a proud Barleymow complains to the farmer about being placed next to a 'dirty dunghill', boasting of its own value in making beer. The Dunghill, however, quickly rebukes the Barleymow, reminding it that without the Dunghill's nutrients, the Barleymow would have been nothing more than a husk of straw, thus highlighting the Barleymow's ingratitude.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to mild rebuke
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The opening lines directly reference the South Sea Bubble of 1720, a major financial event that created many 'new rich' who often disdained their former associates, providing a direct social commentary relevant to Gay's time.
Plot Beats (8)
- The narrator observes how newly wealthy people often forget their humble origins and friends.
- A careful farmer surveys his yard at dawn, observing his stock.
- A Barleymow, personified and proud, complains to the farmer about being placed near a 'dirty dunghill'.
- The Barleymow boasts of its importance, making beer and being celebrated at Christmas.
- The Barleymow demands the Dunghill be carted away due to its offensive smell.
- The Dunghill, in turn, rebukes the Barleymow, asking where it would be without the Dunghill's nutrients.
- The Dunghill asserts that the Barleymow would have been a mere husk of straw without its contribution.
- The Dunghill criticizes the Barleymow's ingratitude.
