FABLE C
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
It was a very hot summer day. The sun was big and bright. All the water went away. Ponds were dry. Lakes were dry. Two frogs lived there. Their names were Leap and Thinker. They were very thirsty. They needed water. They looked for water together. They walked a long, long way.
Then they saw a big well. It was very deep. They sat on the edge of the well. They looked down inside the well. They saw clear water there. The water looked very cool and fresh. "Look!" said Leap. "Water is down there. So much water!" Thinker looked down too. The water was far down. They felt happy to see water. They thought about jumping in. They talked about this.
Leap felt very excited. He wanted to jump right now. "Let's jump in!" he said. "The water is clean. It is very clear. There is so much water here. No one will bother us. We can swim all day. This water is good. We will be happy here. This is the best place. We must jump now. Look at the water. It shines. It is so cool. It is perfect." Leap was ready to jump. He loved water so much.
Thinker was not so fast. He thought about it. He looked at Leap. "Wait, Leap," he said. "This water is good. But the well is very deep. How will we get out? What if this water goes away? What if it dries up too? We cannot climb up. The well walls are tall. We will be stuck here. We must think first. We need a way out. We need a plan. Jumping in is easy. Getting out is hard. We must be smart. We must think of tomorrow. We cannot just jump. We must be safe." Leap stopped. He thought about Thinker's words. He looked at the deep well again. He looked at the tall walls. He looked at the water far below. Thinker was right. He did not think of that.
The frogs thought about it. They did not jump. It is always good to think first. Think how to get out before you jump!
Original Story
FABLE C.
THE TWO FROGS.
One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being almost everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to travel together in search of water. At last they came to a deep well, and, sitting on the brink of it, began to consult whether they should leap in or no. One of them was so inclined, urging that there was plenty of clear, spring water, and no danger of being disturbed. "Well," says the other, "all this may be true, and yet I cannot come into your opinion for my life; for if the water should happen to dry up here too, how should we get out again."
MORAL.
Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. "Look before you leap" is an old and trite proverb. We should not undertake any action of importance without considering what may be the result, in all its aspects.
Story DNA
Moral
We should not undertake any action of importance without considering all possible outcomes, including a way to retreat if things go wrong.
Plot Summary
During a severe drought, two frogs search for water and find a deep well. One frog is eager to jump into the well, noting its clear water and safety. However, the other frog wisely questions how they would escape if the well were to dry up, highlighting the importance of considering all outcomes before making a decision.
Themes
Emotional Arc
consideration to wisdom
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often use animal characters to convey universal human truths and moral lessons, a tradition dating back to ancient times (e.g., Aesop).
Plot Beats (4)
- During a hot summer, lakes and ponds dry up, forcing two frogs to search for water.
- They eventually find a deep well and sit on its edge, discussing whether to jump in.
- One frog is eager to leap, pointing out the abundant, clear water and lack of disturbance.
- The other frog disagrees, expressing concern about how they would get out if the well were to dry up too.
Characters
The Impulsive Frog
A plump, vibrant green frog, about 4 inches long, with smooth, slightly moist skin. Its limbs are strong and well-muscled, indicative of a creature prone to sudden movements. Its belly is a pale, creamy white.
Attire: None, as a frog.
Wants: To find a reliable source of water and escape the discomfort of the drought.
Flaw: Lack of foresight and tendency to act without considering long-term consequences.
Does not explicitly change within the short fable, but serves as a foil to the cautious frog, highlighting the moral of foresight.
Impulsive, optimistic, quick to decide, somewhat naive, focused on immediate gratification.
The Cautious Frog
A slightly leaner, darker green frog, about 4 inches long, with a more textured, perhaps slightly drier skin, suggesting resilience. Its limbs are sturdy but held in a more reserved manner. Its belly is a muted, pale green.
Attire: None, as a frog.
Wants: To ensure long-term safety and survival, avoiding potential traps or irreversible situations.
Flaw: Potentially overly hesitant, missing out on immediate opportunities due to excessive caution.
Does not explicitly change, but its wisdom guides the narrative's moral.
Cautious, thoughtful, pragmatic, risk-averse, analytical.
Locations
Dried-up Lakes and Ponds
Vast, parched landscapes where once there were bodies of water, now cracked earth and dry vegetation under a scorching sun.
Mood: Desolate, desperate, oppressive, dry
The initial setting of the frogs' plight, forcing them to seek new homes.
The Deep Well
A dark, circular opening in the earth, likely stone-lined, with a visible surface of clear, spring water far below. The frogs sit on its brink.
Mood: Hopeful, yet precarious, with a sense of hidden depth and potential danger.
The location where the frogs debate their future, leading to the moral of the story.