Author: Jean de La Fontaine
The cat and the fox, in the manner of good little saints, started out upon a pilgrimage. They were both humbugs, arch-hypocrites, two downright highwaymen, who for the expenses of their journey indemnified themselves by seeing who could devour the most fowls and gobble the most cheese. The way was long and therefore wearisome, so they shortened it by arguing. Argumentation is a great help. Without it one would go to sleep. Our pilgrims shouted themselves hoarse. Then having argued themselves out, they talked of other things. At length the fox said to the cat, "You pretend that you're very clever. Do you know as much as I? I have a hundred ruses up my sleeve." "No," answered the cat, "I have but one; but that is always ready to hand, and I maintain that it is worth a thousand other dodges." Then they fell again to disputing one against the other on each side of the question, the whys and the wherefores, raising their voices higher and higher. Presently the sudden appearance of a pack of hounds stopped their noise. The cat said to the fox, "Now, my friend, ransack that cunning brain of yours for one of your thousand ruses. Fetch down from your sleeve one of those certain stratagems. As for me, this is my dodge." So saying, he bounded to a tall tree and climbed to its top with alacrity. The fox tried a hundred futile doublings; ran into a hundred holes; put the hounds at fault a hundred times; tried everywhere to find a safe place of retreat, but everywhere failed between being smoked out of one and driven out of another by the hounds. Finally, as he came out of a hole two nimble dogs set upon him and strangled him at the first grip. Too many expedients may spoil the business. One loses time in choosing between them and in trying too many. Have only one; but let it be a good one.
Type of Poem: Fable
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a rich narrative that employs elements of fable, personifying a cat and a fox, to explore themes of wisdom, survival, and the pitfalls of overthinking. The cat and fox, who are on a journey, serve as metaphors for types of people in life: the fox, with his hundreds of tricks, represents those who overcomplicate matters, while the cat signifies individuals who rely on simplicity and practicality.
The poem is also a commentary on argument and debate, showcasing the fruitlessness of endless disputes. The structure of the poem, with its clear beginning, middle, and end, enhances the storytelling aspect, while the conversational tone adds a layer of intimacy, as if the reader is privy to a private dialogue.
The poet uses the literary device of irony effectively, as the fox, despite boasting of his numerous ruses, is ultimately outwitted by the cat's single, but effective, strategy. This irony underscores the poem's central message about the value of simplicity and the dangers of indecisiveness. The ending, with its succinct moral, harks back to the style of classic fables, cementing the poem's allegorical nature. Overall, this piece successfully uses narrative and allegory to delve into human nature and the complexities of life's choices.
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:
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.