The Fox & The Crane

Author: Walter Crane

    You have heard how Sir Fox treated Crane:
    With soup in a plate. When again
    They dined, a long bottle
    Just suited Crane's throttle;
    And Sir Fox licked the outside in vain.

    There Are Games That Two Can Play At
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Type of Poem: Fable

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This lively poem is a delightful exploration of the themes of cunningness, retribution and the balance of power portrayed through the playful antics of Sir Fox and Crane. The narrative is presented as a fable, using anthropomorphic characters, a common literary device seen in many traditional tales utilized to convey moral lessons.

The structure of the poem follows a limerick format, characterized by its five-line stanza in anapestic or amphibrachic meter and a strict rhyme scheme (AABBA), which lends a rhythmic, playful tone to the narrative. This tone is juxtaposed by the underlying message of the poem, which subtly reveals a power play, and the clever tactics employed by the seemingly weaker character, Crane, to level the playing field. The poet also employs irony effectively, revealed by the twist in the last line where the fox is left to lick the outside of the bottle in vain, a witty reversal of the initial unfair situation. The final line, "There Are Games That Two Can Play At" serves as a punchy conclusion, emphasizing the theme of cunningness and retribution in a humorously profound way.

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.