The Dog With His Ears Cropped (Prose Fable)

By Jean de La Fontaine

"What have I done to be treated in this way? Mutilated by my own master! A nice state to be in! Dare I present myself before other dogs? O ye kings over the animals, or rather tyrants of them, would any creature do the same to you?" Such were the lamentations of poor Fido, a young house-dog, whilst those who were busy cropping his ears remained quite untouched by his piercing and dolorous howls. Fido believed himself to be ruined for life; but he very shortly found that he was a gainer by the maiming. For being by nature disposed to pilfer from his companions, it would come within his experience to have many misadventures wherein his ears would be torn in a hundred places. Aggressive dogs always have ragged ears. The less they have for other dogs' teeth to fasten upon the better. When one has but a single weak place to defend, one protects it against an onset. Witness Master Fido armed with a spiked collar, and having no more ears to catch hold of than are on my hand. Even a wolf would not have known where to take him.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry

More Poems

More Fables

Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:

This narrative poem uses a unique blend of allegory and anthropomorphism to explore themes of suffering, resilience, and transformation. The central character, Fido, is first introduced to us as a victim, undergoing a painful physical alteration that he perceives as an act of betrayal. The tone of the poem in these initial stanzas is one of anguish and lamentation, reflected in Fido's rhetorical questions and his view of his masters as "tyrants".

However, the poem undergoes a significant shift as Fido discovers that his perceived mutilation has, in fact, made him stronger and more resilient. This unexpected transformation serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of adversity and how it can, rather surprisingly, become a catalyst for growth and survival. Fido's newly found strength is emphasized through the use of vivid imagery in the final stanza, where he is depicted as a formidable figure, capable of defending himself against even the most fearsome adversaries.

Structurally, the poem employs a narrative style, where the story of Fido's transformation unfolds in a linear and logical manner. This not only enhances the clarity of the poem's message, but also allows for a more profound exploration of its core themes. Notable literary devices used include personification, rhetorical questions, and simile, all of which work together to enhance the emotional depth and thematic complexity of the poem.