Beware of the Wolf by Charlotte Maria Tucker
The work is a moral allegory aimed at children, warning them about harmful human traits personified as wolves. It uses the familiar imagery of a wolf to symbolize various vices—bad temper, uncontrolled passion, invasive curiosity, and unchecked greed—that pose dangers to one’s character and social harmony. Each “wolf” is described with physical traits (large eyes, large mouth, big ears) that vividly represent these negative qualities, urging young readers to be vigilant and avoid adopting such behaviors. The narrative establishes that these vices are as threatening as any external danger, reflecting on how internal faults can lead to conflict, strife, and emotional turmoil. By comparing these undesirable traits to dangerous predators in a child's environment, the work emphasizes the importance of self-control, prudence, and moral discernment. It advises that not only should children be aware of these internal wolves, but they must also actively restrain and overcome them to preserve personal and communal well-being. Through rhythmic and accessible language, the text transforms traditional cautionary tales into lessons about managing one’s passions and impulses. It implicitly contrasts moral virtue with the chaos brought by unbridled emotions and selfishness. The allegory is designed to guide children toward a disciplined, thoughtful approach to both personal behavior and the interpretation of folklore, ultimately promoting the idea that guarding against internal vices is as crucial as avoiding external dangers.
By Charlotte Maria Tucker · First published 1874 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable, Cautionary Tale · 415 words
First lines
YOU never need fear, little children, to meet / A wolf in the garden, the wood, or the street; / Red Riding-hood's story is only a fable,- / I'll give you its moral as well as I'm able: / Bad Temper's the wolf which we meet everywhere- / Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
I know of a boy, neither gentle nor wise, / If you tell him a fault, he gives saucy replies; / If kept from his way, in a fury he flies- / Ah! Passion's the wolf with the very large eyes; / 'Tis ready to snap and to trample and tear- / Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
What this Textopian page supports
Beware of the Wolf is listed on Textopian as a fable by Charlotte Maria Tucker, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Charlotte Maria Tucker
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fable, Cautionary Tale, Didactic Poetry, Allegorical Tale
- Length: 415 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beware of the Wolf by Charlotte Maria Tucker
- 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
Genres
- Children's Literature — Addresses young readers directly with clear morals and warnings tailored to a child's understanding.
- Fable — Uses animal symbolism to represent human vices, following a traditional fable structure.
- Cautionary Tale — Explicitly warns children against negative traits by equating them with a dangerous wolf.
- Didactic Poetry — Employs verse, rhyme, and repetition to instruct and impart moral lessons.
Tags
cautionary · fable · folklore · adventure · thriller · horror · animal allegory · wildlife · nature · suspense · danger · conflict