The City Rat And The Country Rat.[1]

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
     A city rat, one night,      Did, with a civil stoop,      A country rat invite      To end a turtle soup.      Upon a Turkey carpet      They found the table spread,      And sure I need not harp it      How well the fellows fed.      The entertainment was      A truly noble one;      But some unlucky cause      Disturb'd it when begun.      It was a slight rat-tat,      That put their joys to rout;      Out ran the city rat;      His guest, too, scamper'd out.      Our rats but fairly quit,      The fearful knocking ceased.      'Return we,' cried the cit,      To finish there our feast.      'No,' said the rustic rat;      'To-morrow dine with me.      I'm not offended at      Your feast so grand and free, -      'For I've no fare resembling;      But then I eat at leisure,      And would not swap, for pleasure      So mix'd with fear and trembling.'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem delivers a compelling commentary on the values of simplicity and contentment over wealth and opulence, wrapped in a delightful animal fable. The city rat and country rat, representing urban and rural life respectively, serve as the poem's main characters. Through their interaction, the poem contrasts the ostentatious city life—replete with turtle soup and Turkey carpets—with the modest, peaceful existence in the country.

The poem's tone is light and playful, carrying a conversational rhythm throughout. The structure is consistent, using a simple AABB rhyme scheme that contributes to the poem's accessibility and charm. One notable literary device used is personification, giving the rats human characteristics, which enhances the allegorical nature of the poem. The city rat's fear-driven departure from the feast represents the anxieties associated with the pursuit of wealth and status. In contrast, the country rat’s refusal to return to the feast, despite its grandeur, underscores the value of peace and contentment over material possessions. The 'rat-tat' that causes their disruption can be seen as symbolic of the unpredictable disturbances often found in opulent, busy lives. The poem thus offers a timeless reminder of the importance of simplicity, tranquility and contentment over materialistic pursuits.

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.