The Arrogant Frog And The Superior Bull

By Guy Wetmore Carryl

Fable
    Once, on a time and in a place     Conducive to malaria,     There lived a member of the race     Of Rana Temporaria;     Or, more concisely still, a frog     Inhabited a certain bog.     A bull of Brobdingnagian size,     Too proud for condescension,     One morning chanced to cast his eyes     Upon the frog I mention;     And, being to the manner born,     Surveyed him with a lofty scorn.     Perceiving this, the bactrian's frame     With anger was inflated,     Till, growing larger, he became     Egregiously elated;     For inspiration's sudden spell     Had pointed out a way to swell.     "Ha! ha!" he proudly cried, "a fig     For this, your mammoth torso!     Just watch me while I grow as big     As you--or even more so!"     To which magniloquential gush     His bullship simply answered "Tush!"     Alas! the frog's success was slight,     Which really was a wonder,     In view of how with main and might     He strove to grow rotunder!     And, standing patiently the while,     The bull displayed a quiet smile.     But ah, the frog tried once too oft     And, doing so, he busted;     Whereat the bull discreetly coughed     And moved away, disgusted,     As well he might, considering     The wretched taste that marked the thing.     THE MORAL: Everybody knows     How ill a wind it is that blows.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a humorous and satirical fable, using animal characters to convey a human moral. The theme revolves around pride, ambition, and the dangers of overreaching one's natural capacities. The frog represents the universal human tendency to envy and compete, while the bull symbolizes the unattainable or superior other. The tone is light-hearted and whimsical, yet subtly critical of the frog's foolish ambition.

The structure is consistent, with a regular rhyme scheme that gives the poem a rhythmic, oral storytelling quality. The narrative is clear and linear, with an engaging progression of events. The poet employs a range of literary devices to enhance the poem's humor and to underscore its moral message. For instance, the use of exaggerated, comic language such as "Brobdingnagian size," and "magniloquential gush," adds a layer of ironic mockery. Imagery is also used effectively, particularly in the depiction of the frog's futile attempts to inflate himself, and his ultimate, tragicomic demise. The poem concludes with a direct moral, a classic feature of the fable genre, emphasizing the folly of trying to inflate one's importance or stature beyond its natural limit. Overall, this poem delivers a timeless message through a blend of humor, satire, and narrative charm.

Understanding Fables

A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.

Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.