The Farmyard Cock and the Weathercock
A cock lives on a farm with his wife and children. He's vain about his appearance and loves to strut around the yard. One day, he sees a weathercock on top of a nearby windmill and becomes jealous of its ability to turn freely in any direction. The cock decides to visit the weathercock and learns that it's not as perfect as it seems.
By Hans Christian Andersen · First published 1908 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Allegory · 1,063 words
First lines
There were two Cocks -- one on the dunghill, the other on the roof. Both were conceited; but which of the two effected most? Tell us your opinion; but we shall keep our own nevertheless.
The poultry-yard was divided by a partition of boards from another yard, in which lay a manure-heap, whereon lay and grew a great Cucumber, which was fully conscious of being a forcing-bed plant.
What this Textopian page supports
The Farmyard Cock and the Weathercock is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hans Christian Andersen, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Hans Christian Andersen
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Satire, Allegory, Children's Literature, Fantasy
- Length: 1,063 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Farmyard Cock and the Weathercock by Hans Christian Andersen
- 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 Farmyard Cock and the Weathercock?
- How does this short story by Hans Christian Andersen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Cow And The Billy Goat by Leo Tolstoy
- The Monkey And The Pease by Leo Tolstoy
- A Fable by Mark Twain
- Master Cherry Gives The Wood Away by Carlo Collodi
- The Hares And The Frogs by Leo Tolstoy
- The Portuguese Duck by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and plants, delivering a moral lesson about vanity and self-importance.
- Satire — The narrative uses humor and irony to critique social behaviors and attitudes, particularly those related to pride and self-conceit.
- Allegory — The characters and events symbolize broader human traits and societal issues, offering deeper meanings beyond the literal story.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and animal characters make it accessible and appealing to a younger audience, typical of children's stories.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Animal Fiction · Social Commentary · Morality Tale · Farce · Comedy · Critique of Society · Farm Life · Country Setting · Weather and Climate · Symbolism