The Foxes and the River by Esopo
The story revolves around a group of Foxes who gather on the riverbank, hesitant to drink due to the strong current and deep water. One Fox, driven by pride and a desire to appear brave, decides to take the plunge despite the danger. He is swept away by the current, leaving his companions behind. As he is carried downstream, they beg him to return and show them how to safely access the water. However, the Fox claims that he is being taken to the seaside and will return with knowledge of a safe crossing point. His true intentions are unclear, but it is evident that he has abandoned his friends in their time of need. The story highlights the dangers of pride and the consequences of reckless behavior. The Fox's actions demonstrate a lack of concern for others and a prioritization of personal desires over the well-being of those around him.
By Esopo · First published 1668 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Animal Fiction · 179 words
First lines
A number of Foxes assembled on the bank of a river and wanted to drink; but the current was so strong and the water looked so deep and dangerous that they didn't dare to do so, but stood near the edge encouraging one another not to be afraid. At last one of them, to shame the rest, and show how brave he was, said, "I am not a bit frightened! See, I'll step right into the water! " He had no sooner done so than the current swept him off his feet. When the others saw him being carried downstream they cried, "Don't go and leave us! Come back and show us where we too can drink with safety. " But he replied, "I'm afraid I can't yet: I want to go to the seaside, and this current will take me there nicely. When I come back I'll show you with pleasure. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Foxes and the River 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, Children's Literature, Animal Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 179 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Foxes and the River 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 Foxes and the River?
- 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 Bat The Bramble And The Seagull by Esopo
- The She Goats And Their Beards by Esopo
- The Crow And The Raven by Esopo
- The Dogs And The Hides by Esopo
- The Dolphins The Whales And The Sprat by Esopo
- The Bat And The Weasels by Esopo
Genres
- Fable — Esopo is known for his fables, which are centered around anthropomorphized animals which this title implies.
- Children's Literature — Fables are often used to instruct children in moral lessons, so this would likely appeal to a young audience.
- Animal Fiction — The title mentions animals directly, implying that they will feature heavily in the story.
- Fantasy — Since animals in fables often exhibit human qualities and behaviors, this adds an element of fantasy to the narrative.
Tags
fable · animals · foxes · river · morality · wisdom · nature · deception · survival · friendship · cunning · adventure