The City Mouse And The Country Mouse

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
    A City Mouse, with ways polite,     A Country Mouse invited     To sup with him and spend the night.     Said Country Mouse: "De - lighted!"     In truth it proved a royal treat,     With everything that's good to eat.     Alas! When they had just begun     To gobble their dinner,     A knock was heard that made them run.     The City Mouse seemed thinner.     And as they scampered and turned tail,     He saw the Country Mouse grow pale.     The knocking ceased. A false alarm!     The City Mouse grew braver.     "Come back!" he cried. "No, no! The farm,     Where I'll not quake or quaver,     Suits me," replied the Country Mouse.     "You're welcome to your city house."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under discussion is a charming narrative that employs anthropomorphism to depict the contrasting lifestyles of the city and country, and to explore the theme of contentment. The city mouse and the country mouse serve as metaphors for urban and rural life, respectively, with the playfulness of the language and the rhythm enhancing the appeal of the story.

The structure is consistent, and the tone is light and conversational, making the poem accessible and engaging. The use of dialogue and vivid imagery creates a dynamic scene, allowing the reader to visualize the story. The poet also uses rhyme and rhythm to convey the hustle and bustle of city life versus the calm and peace of country life, further emphasizing the theme. The use of onomatopoeia in the form of the knock adds a sense of suspense and danger to the city life, while the country mouse's choice to return to his peaceful life underscores the message of the poem - that one's happiness and contentment may not lie in the grandeur and glamour of city life but in the tranquility of the countryside. The poem, thus, presents a critique of city life in a relatively subtle, whimsical manner.

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.