The Cat And The Fox

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
    The Cat and the Fox once took a walk together,     Sharpening their wits with talk about the weather     And as their walking sharpened appetite, too;     They also took some things they had no right to.     Cream, that is so delicious when it thickens,     Pleased the Cat best. The Fox liked little chickens.     With stomachs filled, they presently grew prouder,     And each began to try to talk the louder -     Bragging about his skill, and strength, and cunning.     "Pooh!" said the Fox. "You ought to see me running.     Besides, I have a hundred tricks. You Cat, you!     What can you do when Mr. Dog comes at you?"     "To tell the truth," the Cat said, "though it grieve me     I've but one trick. Yet that's enough - believe me!"     There came a pack of fox-hounds - yelping, baying.     "Pardon me", said the Cat. "I can't be staying.     This is my trick." And up a tree he scurried,     Leaving the Fox below a trifle worried.     In vain he tried his hundred tricks and ruses     (The sort of thing that Mr. Dog confuses) -     Doubling, and seeking one hole, then another -     Smoked out of each until he thought he'd smother.     At last as he once more came out of cover,     Two nimble dogs pounced on him - All was over!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a lively narrative piece that employs anthropomorphism to depict a conversation between a cat and a fox, and further to convey larger life lessons. The predominant themes are cunning, pride, and survival. The tone of the poem is humorous and light-hearted, yet carries a poignant undertone, highlighting the dangers of overconfidence and the wisdom of simplicity.

The poem is structured in rhymed couplets and uses conversational language, which enhances the overall accessibility and appeal of the piece. The author skillfully employs different literary devices, such as vivid imagery and personification. Particularly, the author creates a rich tapestry of images, drawing the reader into the world of these two creatures, their indulgent feast, their boastful dialogue, and their eventual encounter with danger.

The poem's ending, where the cat's singular survival skill triumphs over the fox's hundred tricks, delivers a powerful twist and a thought-provoking moral. In its entirety, the poem serves as a cautionary tale against the folly of arrogance and the value of having a singular, reliable survival strategy. It reminds us that sometimes, less is indeed more.

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.