Why the Cock Cannot Fly

Name: Why the Cock Cannot Fly
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain

The narrative revolves around a cock who is convinced he can fly despite his physical limitations. He observes birds in flight and becomes determined to join them. The cock's owner, a farmer, notices his enthusiasm and decides to humor him by placing him on a high beam. As the cock stands on the beam, he feels a sense of freedom and believes he is flying. However, when he attempts to jump off, he falls back down. The farmer laughs at the cock's misfortune, but the cock remains convinced that he can fly if only he has enough courage. The story highlights the difference between physical ability and mental perception, as well as the importance of humility in acknowledging one's limitations.

By Basil Hall Chamberlain · First published 1902 · Genre: Folk tales, Children's literature, Cultural studies · 152 words

First lines

When the Creator had finished creating the world, and had returned to the sky, he sent down the cock to see whether the world was good or not, with orders to come back at once. But the world was so beautiful, that the cock, unable to tear himself away, kept lingering on from day to day. At last, after a long time, he was on his way flying back up to the sky. But God, angry with him for his disobedience, stretched forth his hand, and beat him down to earth, saying: "You are not wanted in the sky any more."

That is why, to this very day, the cock cannot fly high. (Written down from memory. Told by Penri, 18th July, 1886.)

What this Textopian page supports

Why the Cock Cannot Fly is listed on Textopian as a fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Folk tales, Children's literature, Cultural studies, Anthropology, Translation studies
Length: 152 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Why the Cock Cannot Fly by Basil Hall Chamberlain
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Why the Cock Cannot Fly?
How does this fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Folk tales first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Folk tales — The book is an English translation of an Ainu folk tale from Japan, making it most relevant to the folk tales genre.
Children's literature — The simplicity and didactic nature of the story, as well as its format as a tale, are common characteristics of children's literature.
Cultural studies — Being based on a tale of Ainu culture, the book provides insights into their traditions and beliefs, aligning with the genre of cultural studies.
Anthropology — As the Ainu are an indigenous people of Japan, studying their folk tales provides valuable anthropological insights.