The Ass and His Purchaser by Esopo

Name: The Ass and His Purchaser
Author: Esopo

The Ass and His Purchaser, written by Esopo, is a fable about an ass who is tricked into selling his own hide to a butcher. The story teaches the lesson that one should be cautious when dealing with unscrupulous individuals.

By Esopo · First published 1668 · Genre: Fable, Classical Literature, Moral and Ethical · 189 words

First lines

A Man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other asses. The newcomer took a look round, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. When the master saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again. The latter was a good deal surprised to see him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already? " "I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other: "I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself. "

What this Textopian page supports

The Ass and His Purchaser is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1668 CE.

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

Work type: Fable
Author: Esopo
Date: 1668 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Classical Literature, Moral and Ethical, Children's Literature
Length: 189 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — This term is specifically used for the genre of the book. A fable involves anthropomorphic animals or mythical creatures which express human behavior or moral lessons.
Classical Literature — The author, Aesop, is a famed ancient Greek fabulist or storyteller. His works are considered classical literature due to their antiquity and enduring relevance.
Moral and Ethical — Fables typically convey moral lessons or ethical values, which applies to 'The Ass and His Purchaser'.
Children's Literature — Aesop's fables, including 'The Ass and His Purchaser', are often used in children's literature for moral education and their easy-to-understand allegoric style.