The Cunning Fox

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
    A fox once practised, 'tis believed,     A stratagem right well conceived.     The wretch, when in the utmost strait     By dogs of nose so delicate,     Approach'd a gallows, where,     A lesson to like passengers,     Or clothed in feathers or in furs,     Some badgers, owls, and foxes, pendent were.     Their comrade, in his pressing need,     Arranged himself among the dead.     I seem to see old Hannibal     Outwit some Roman general,     And sit securely in his tent,     The legions on some other scent.     But certain dogs, kept back     To tell the errors of the pack,     Arriving where the traitor hung,     A fault in fullest chorus sung.     Though by their bark the welkin rung,     Their master made them hold the tongue.     Suspecting not a trick so odd,     Said he, "The rogue's beneath the sod.     My dogs, that never saw such jokes,     Won't bark beyond these honest folks."     The rogue would try the trick again.     He did so to his cost and pain.     Again with dogs the welkin rings;     Again our fox from gallows swings;     But though he hangs with greater faith     This time, he does it to his death.     So uniformly is it true,     A stratagem is best when new.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under examination is a narrative verse filled with a blend of dark humor and wisdom. It is centered around the theme of deception, cunningness, and the eventual consequences of repeated trickery. The poet uses the story of a fox to communicate these themes, where the fox attempts to outsmart hunting dogs by pretending to be dead among other deceased animals. This clever ruse is compared to the cunning military strategy of the historic figure Hannibal, adding depth to the fox's actions.

The tone of the poem is a mix of playful and grim, a blend that is particularly interesting. The structure is consistent with rhymed couplets, giving the poem a rhythmic flow and a somewhat whimsical feel that contrasts with the darker elements of the story. The poet uses vivid imagery and personification, particularly in giving the fox human-like cunning and strategy. The poem concludes with a moral, "A stratagem is best when new", encapsulating the theme of the narrative and offering a sage piece of advice to the reader. This use of a moral at the end is reminiscent of Aesopian fables, tying the poem to a rich tradition of storytelling. Indeed, the poem excels in embedding a complex narrative in a compact, accessible format.

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.