The Wasp and the Snake by Esopo

Name: The Wasp and the Snake
Author: Esopo

The Wasp and the Snake, by Esopo: A wasp and a snake were arguing over who was the bravest. The wasp claimed he was, as he could sting anyone who threatened him. The snake countered that he was braver, as he could swallow anything that threatened him whole. They continued to argue until they were interrupted by a fox, who suggested they settle their dispute with a race. The wasp and the snake agreed, and the race began. The wasp flew ahead, but the snake slithered faster and won the race. The wasp was furious and accused the snake of cheating, but the snake replied that he had simply used his brains to outsmart the wasp.

By Esopo · First published 1648 · Genre: Fable, Children's literature, Fiction · 99 words

First lines

A Wasp settled on the head of a Snake, and not only stung him several times, but clung obstinately to the head of his victim. Maddened with pain the Snake tried every means he could think of to get rid of the creature, but without success. At last he became desperate, and crying, "Kill you I will, even at the cost of my own life," he laid his head with the Wasp on it under the wheel of a passing wagon, and they both perished together.

What this Textopian page supports

The Wasp and the Snake is listed on Textopian as a fable by Esopo, dated 1648 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: 1648 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's literature, Fiction, Allegorical
Length: 99 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Wasp and the Snake by Esopo
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 Wasp and the Snake?
How does this fable by Esopo fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The author, Esopo, is famous for his fables, using animals (in this case, a wasp and a snake) to deliver moral lessons.
Children's literature — Esopo's fables, including 'The Wasp and the Snake', share lessons and values, making them appropriate and often targeted towards younger audiences.
Fiction — The events and characters, such as talking animals, in 'The Wasp and the Snake' are not actual or factual.
Allegorical — The wasp and snake in the title serve as allegorical figures in the story, possessing humanlike consciousness and delivering a message or lesson.