The Lion and the Mouse
The Lion and the Mouse is a short story by Ambrose Bierce about an unlikely friendship between a lion and a mouse. The lion spares the mouse's life after it accidentally tickles his nose, and the mouse later repays the favor by saving the lion from a hunter's trap. Despite their differences in size and strength, the two animals form a bond that transcends their natural predator-prey relationship. The story explores themes of empathy, kindness, and the idea that even the smallest of creatures can make a big impact.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable, Fiction · 108 words
First lines
A Judge was awakened by the noise of a lawyer prosecuting a Thief. Rising in wrath he was about to sentence the Thief to life imprisonment when the latter said:
"I beg that you will set me free, and I will some day requite your kindness."
Pleased and flattered to be bribed, although by nothing but an empty promise, the Judge let him go. Soon afterward he found that it was more than an empty promise, for, having become a Thief, he was himself set free by the other, who had become a Judge.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lion and the Mouse is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fable, Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 108 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lion and the Mouse 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 Lion and the Mouse?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Ants And The Grasshopper by Ambrose Bierce
- The Wolf Who Would Be A Lion by Ambrose Bierce
- Santa Claus by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Cat And The Birds by Ambrose Bierce
- The Fabulist And The Animals by Ambrose Bierce
- The Rat And The Owl B by Basil Hall Chamberlain
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book title 'The Lion and the Mouse' indicates a relationship between animals, making it a common theme in children's literature.
- Fable — The title suggests a story involving animals, a characterization traditionally associated with fables. The narrative of 'The Lion and the Mouse' might be centered around a moral or lesson.
- Fiction — The tale of 'The Lion and the Mouse' clearly involves anthropomorphized animals, indicating that it is a work of fiction.
- Fantasy — The concept of a lion and mouse interacting in a meaningful way implies elements of fantasy in the narrative.
Tags
fable · animal · friendship · kindness · power · weakness · irony · moral · lesson · surprise · twist · humor