The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller
The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller is a fable by Esopo. The story goes like this: A charcoal-burner and a fuller were arguing over who was the more important worker. The charcoal-burner said, "I work hard every day to provide fuel for your clothes." The fuller replied, "You may burn wood, but I make garments that cover the whole body." They continued to argue until they came across a mule, which they both used to carry their goods. As they were walking, the charcoal-burner's load fell and broke, while the fuller's load remained intact. The charcoal-burner exclaimed, "See, without me, you would have nothing to make clothes with!" The fuller responded, "And without you, I would have nothing to wear them on!" They realized that they were both important in their own ways and learned to appreciate each other's work.
By Esopo · First published 1668 · Genre: Fable, Classic, Children's literature · 121 words
First lines
There was once a Charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself. A Fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same neighbourhood; and the Charcoal-burner, having made his acquaintance and finding he was an agreeable sort of fellow, asked him if he would come and share his house: "We shall get to know one another better that way," he said, "and, beside, our household expenses will be diminished. " The Fuller thanked him, but replied, "I couldn't think of it, sir: why, everything I take such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller 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, Classic, Children's literature, Folklore, Anthology
- Length: 121 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller by Esopo
- 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 Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller?
- How does this fable by Esopo fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Jackdaw And The Pigeons by Esopo
- The Lark And The Farmer by Esopo
- The Man And The Satyr by Esopo
- The Pig And The Sheep by Esopo
- The Ass And The Mule by Esopo
- The Dogs And The Hides by Esopo
Genres
- Fable — The book is based on Aesop's fables which are exemplary moral or ethical tales making the 'Fable' genre most relevant.
- Classic — Aesop's fables are considered classics due to their historical timeframe and enduring popularity.
- Children's literature — The book contains lessons and moral stories, which are usually associated with children's literature.
- Folklore — As Aesop's fables were passed down through generations and include anthropomorphized animals, they can be considered a part of folklore.
Tags
fable · morality · friendship · deception · trust · betrayal · wisdom · caution · consequences · humor · animals · allegory