The Boys and the Frogs
A group of boys are playing near a pond when they notice a group of frogs nearby. They decide to play a trick on the frogs by placing a stick in the water and pretending it is a snake. The frogs, believing the ruse, begin to jump away in fear. The boys laugh at their antics until one of the frogs asks them why they are laughing. The story explores the theme of perspective and how different creatures may view the world differently.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1893 · Genre: Fables, Children's Literature, Classics · 92 words
First lines
Some editors of newspapers were engaged in diffusing general intelligence and elevating the moral sentiment of the public. They had been doing this for some time, when an Eminent Statesman stuck his head out of the pool of politics, and, speaking for the members of his profession, said:
"My friends, I beg you will desist. I know you make a great deal of money by this kind of thing, but consider the damage you inflict upon the business of others!"
What this Textopian page supports
The Boys and the Frogs is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fables, Children's Literature, Classics, Educational
- Length: 92 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Boys and the Frogs by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Boys and the Frogs?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fables first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Hares And The Frogs by Ambrose Bierce
- The Mountain And The Mouse by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cat by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Hercules And The Carter by Ambrose Bierce
- The Cat And The Birds by Ambrose Bierce
- As Easy As A B C 1912 by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Fables — The story is a retelling of a classic fable by Aesop, involving animals as central characters which symbolically discuss human morals and flaws.
- Children's Literature — The book, while containing significant moral lessons, is written in a simple and straightforward style, making it suitable for children as well.
- Classics — The Boys and the Frogs is a classic tale, both due to its origin from the ancient author, Aesop, and its continued popularity.
- Educational — The story serves as a teaching tool, conveying moral lessons about respect and compassion to its readers.
Tags
fantasy · adventure · children · young adult · short story · humor · satire · magic · mystery · supernatural · whimsical · surreal