The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail
A fox loses his tail and discovers that his new condition allows him to move faster and hunt more efficiently. Embracing this change, he attempts to persuade his fellow foxes to abandon their tails, arguing that it would benefit the entire group. However, his peers see through his motives, believing he is merely trying to justify his own loss rather than genuinely advocating for their welfare. Another fox, convinced by the first's reasoning, also decides to promote the tailless state, but he too is met with skepticism. The other foxes reject his arguments, suspecting that he is insincere because he still possesses his tail. The narrative highlights themes of self-interest, the difficulty of changing societal norms, and the tendency to dismiss ideas that challenge the status quo, especially when they appear to stem from personal disadvantage. Ultimately, the foxes remain unconvinced, illustrating the challenges of altruism when it conflicts with personal experience and societal perceptions.
By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1894 · Genre: Children's literature, Fable, Animal Fiction · 343 words
First lines
The fox who had lost his tail found out That now he could faster go; He had less to cover when hid for prey, He had less to carry on hunting day, He had less to guard when he stood at bay; He was really better so!
Now he was a fine altruistical fox With the good of his race at heart, So he ran to his people with tailless speed, To tell of the change they all must need, And recommend as a righteous deed That they and their tails should part!
What this Textopian page supports
The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's literature, Fable, Animal Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail?
- How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Fox Without A Tail by Esopo
- The Stag In The Ox Stall by Esopo
- The Escaped Jackdaw by Esopo
- The Dogs And The Hides by Esopo
- The Hound And The Fox by Esopo
- The Bald Huntsman by Esopo
Genres
- Children's literature — Given that the book's protagonist is a fox, its plot seems to be personifying animals which is a common feature in children's literature.
- Fable — The title suggests a moral or lesson may be derived from the story, similar to context and structure typical of fables.
- Animal Fiction — The story is centered around a fox, indicating the animal fiction genre.
- Fantasy — The title implies elements of anthropomorphism, which is common in the fantasy genre.
Tags
fable · animal story · morality · deception · identity · loss · self-acceptance · cunning · social commentary · humor · friendship · betrayal