The Cobbler Turned Doctor by Esopo
The story revolves around a cobbler who fails at his trade and decides to become a doctor. He gains a reputation by claiming to have a universal antidote for all poisons, but it's actually worthless. The King discovers this when he tests the Cobbler's remedy on him. The King is outraged that his subjects trusted the Cobbler with their lives despite his lack of medical knowledge. The story highlights the dangers of trusting charlatans and the importance of expertise in a particular field. It also showcases the King's wisdom and ability to see through deception. The Cobbler's downfall serves as a warning against false pretenses and the consequences of being taken in by them. The narrative is a commentary on the gullibility of people and their tendency to trust those who claim to have solutions to complex problems without actually possessing the necessary knowledge or skills.
By Esopo · First published 1760 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Comedy · 199 words
First lines
A very unskilful Cobbler, finding himself unable to make a living at his trade, gave up mending boots and took to doctoring instead. He gave out that he had the secret of a universal antidote against all poisons, and acquired no small reputation, thanks to his talent for puffing himself. One day, however, he fell very ill; and the King of the country bethought him that he would test the value of his remedy. Calling, therefore, for a cup, he poured out a dose of the antidote, and, under pretence of mixing poison with it, added a little water, and commanded him to drink it. Terrified by the fear of being poisoned, the Cobbler confessed that he knew nothing about medicine, and that his antidote was worthless. Then the King summoned his subjects and addressed them as follows: "What folly could be greater than yours? Here is this Cobbler to whom no one will send his boots to be mended, and yet you have not hesitated to entrust him with your lives! "
What this Textopian page supports
The Cobbler Turned Doctor is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1760 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: 1760 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Satire, Comedy
- Length: 199 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cobbler Turned Doctor by Esopo
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Fable — The author's name indicates that the book is likely written in the style of a fable, as 'Esopo' is the Spanish translation of 'Aesop,' known for writing fables.
- Satire — The title of the book hints at a possible satirical take, as a cobbler is not typically associated with the skills required to be a doctor.
- Comedy — The title also suggests a comedic element, as the absurdity of a shoe repairer turning medical practitioner is likely to contain humorous scenarios.
Tags
transformation · humor · fable · wisdom · craftsmanship · medicine · identity · self-discovery · social commentary · irony · life lessons · character development