The Wolves and the Dogs
The story follows a pack of wolves who are on the hunt for food. They come across a group of dogs who are also hunting, but the dogs are more successful in their pursuit. The wolves are frustrated and angry at their lack of success, and they begin to plot their revenge against the dogs. In the end, the wolves attack the dogs, but they are no match for the dogs' superior numbers and weaponry. The dogs defeat the wolves and chase them off, leaving the pack leader dead and the rest of the pack injured or captured. The story is a commentary on the nature of competition and violence, and how these traits can lead to destructive consequences when taken too far. It also explores the idea of survival of the fittest, and how those who are better equipped to handle the challenges of life will be the ones who succeed in the end.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1897 · Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Animal Fiction · 67 words
First lines
"Why should there be strife between us?" said the Wolves to the Sheep.
"It is all owing to those quarrelsome dogs. Dismiss them, and we shall have peace."
"You seem to think," replied the Sheep, "that it is an easy thing to dismiss dogs. Have you always found it so?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Wolves and the Dogs is listed on Textopian as a fable by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Fantasy, Animal Fiction, Satire, Short Story
- Length: 67 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wolves and the Dogs 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 Wolves and the Dogs?
- How does this fable by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Hen And The Vipers by Ambrose Bierce
- On The Platform by Ambrose Bierce
- Cain by Ambrose Bierce
- John Mortonsons Funeral by Ambrose Bierce
- Dies Irae by Ambrose Bierce
- The Wolf And The Lion by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fable — Portrays animals (wolves and dogs) in a humanized manner, which is consistent with characteristics of a fable.
- Fantasy — It involves talking animals and contains elements that do not exist in the real world.
- Animal Fiction — The narrative centers around animals in a structured society.
- Satire — Bierce often used satire to critique society and humanity, and this is reflected in the interpersonal relations of the animals.
Tags
fiction · short story · supernatural · horror · gothic · animals · nature · mystery · thriller · suspense · violence · death