FABLE CIII
by Unknown · from Favourite Fables in Prose and Verse
Adapted Version
Once, there were some little mice. They lived in a house. One day, they saw a good smell. It came from a small room. The door was open wide. Inside, a tasty bacon piece hung. It looked very good to eat. The bacon smelled very nice. The Greedy Mice wanted it. The Careful Mice saw it too.
The Careful Mice looked well. They saw only one door. It was the only way in. It was the only way out. "This is not safe," they said. "The door can close. Then we are stuck inside. This is a bad place. We must be careful. We feel a worry."
The Careful Mice did not go in. "No bacon for us," they said. "Safe is better than food. We like our simple food. We like our safe home. We will eat here. This is a good choice. We stay safe." They went home. They ate normal food.
The Greedy Mice did not listen. They saw no danger. "The bacon looks so good!" they said. "We want the tasty food now. It is a big treat." They ran in. They ate the bacon. They were very happy. They ate very fast. They loved the good taste.
The Greedy Mice ate the bacon. They ate and ate. They heard a loud noise. BANG! The door closed fast. The door was shut tight. The mice were stuck inside. They could not get out. They were all trapped now. They felt very sad. They wished they were free.
The Greedy Mice were very scared. They felt very sad. The bacon did not taste good now. They did not want to eat it. They wished they were safe. They wished they were home. They wished they listened to their friends. But it was too late. They were not happy at all.
Then the Cook came in. The Cook saw the mice. The Greedy Mice were trapped. They could not run away. The Cook caught the mice. The Cook took them away. The mice were not free now. They were not safe. They were gone from the house for a long time.
The Careful Mice were safe. They were in their home. They ate their simple food. They were happy there. They were glad they were careful. They were glad they listened to their worry. They lived a long life. They were always safe and free.
It is always good to be careful.
Original Story
FABLE CIII.
THE MICE AND THE TRAP.
Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of bacon hanging up in a very little room, the door of which being open, enticed them to fall on with greedy appetites. But some of them took particular notice that there was but one way into the room, and, by consequence, but one way to get out of it; so that, if that door, by misfortune or art, should chance to be shut, they would all be inevitably taken: they could not, therefore, find in their hearts to venture in; but said, that they had rather content themselves with homely fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a dainty bit, to run the danger of being taken, and lost for ever.
The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great epicures, declared that they saw no danger; and, therefore, ran into the room, and fell to eating the bacon with great delight: but they soon heard the door fall down, and saw that they were all taken. Then the fear of approaching death so seized them, that they found no relish in their exquisite food; and immediately came the Cook who had set the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who had contented themselves with their usual food, fled into their holes, and, by that means, preserved their lives.
Story DNA
Moral
It is better to live safely with less than to risk everything for fleeting pleasure.
Plot Summary
A group of mice discovers a tempting piece of bacon in a room, but some prudent mice notice the single entrance and warn of a trap. Other greedy mice dismiss the danger and feast on the bacon. Soon, the door falls shut, trapping the greedy mice, who are then killed by the cook. The cautious mice, who stayed away, survive, illustrating the danger of succumbing to temptation over safety.
Themes
Emotional Arc
temptation to regret
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Fables often reflect common wisdom and societal values, emphasizing practical virtues like caution and self-control.
Plot Beats (8)
- Mice discover a broiled rasher of bacon hanging in a small room with an open door.
- Some mice notice there is only one way in and out, realizing the danger of being trapped.
- These prudent mice decide to forgo the bacon, preferring safety and homely fare.
- Other mice, labeled 'epicures', dismiss the danger and eagerly enter the room to eat the bacon.
- While the epicurean mice are eating, the door suddenly falls shut, trapping them.
- Fear of death seizes the trapped mice, making their food lose its appeal.
- The Cook, who set the trap, immediately arrives and kills the trapped mice.
- The prudent mice, who stayed in their holes, preserve their lives.
Characters
The Cautious Mice
Small, agile, and slender field mice, typical of their species. Their fur is a soft, earthy brown, allowing them to blend into natural surroundings. They have delicate paws and long, thin tails.
Attire: None, as they are wild mice.
Wants: To ensure their survival and safety above all else. They prioritize long-term security over immediate gratification.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency towards excessive caution, missing out on some opportunities, though in this story it proves to be a strength.
They remain consistent in their cautious nature, which ultimately leads to their survival, reinforcing their initial beliefs.
Prudent, cautious, observant, wise, self-controlled.
The Epicurean Mice
Slightly plumper and less agile than their cautious counterparts, perhaps indicating a history of indulging in readily available food. Their fur is also brown, but perhaps a shade lighter or less sleek due to their focus on immediate pleasure.
Attire: None, as they are wild mice.
Wants: To satisfy their immediate desires, particularly for delicious food. They prioritize pleasure over prudence.
Flaw: Their inability to foresee consequences and their overwhelming desire for indulgence.
They start confident and eager, then become trapped and fearful, ultimately meeting their demise due to their lack of foresight.
Impulsive, greedy, short-sighted, pleasure-seeking, dismissive of warnings.
The Cook
A sturdy, practical individual, likely of average height and build, accustomed to physical labor in a kitchen environment. Their hands might be calloused from work.
Attire: Simple, functional kitchen attire, perhaps a plain apron over practical clothing, made of durable linen or cotton in muted colors.
Wants: To eliminate pests from their kitchen and protect their food supply.
Flaw: None apparent in the story, as they achieve their goal.
A static character who serves as the instrument of fate for the Epicurean Mice.
Practical, methodical, effective, perhaps a bit ruthless in dealing with pests.
Locations
The Little Room with the Trap
A very small, enclosed room, likely part of a larger kitchen or pantry, with a single entrance that serves as both entry and exit. The air would be thick with the scent of cooked meat.
Mood: Initially enticing and tempting, quickly turning to one of dread, panic, and inescapable doom.
The mice are lured in by the bacon, the door falls, trapping them, and they are subsequently killed by the Cook.
The Mice's Holes
Hidden crevices and burrows, likely at the base of walls or under floorboards, providing safety and refuge for the cautious mice.
Mood: Safe, humble, and secure, a stark contrast to the danger of the little room.
The cautious mice retreat to their safe holes, preserving their lives by avoiding the trap.