The Crumbs on the Table

Name: The Crumbs on the Table
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

This collection of folk tales features a range of stories that explore themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. The tales often feature ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations, and are frequently resolved through the application of cleverness or brute force. The stories can be broadly categorized into three types: those that emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity; those that highlight the dangers of greed and gluttony; and those that demonstrate the power of love and loyalty. Throughout the collection, the Grimm brothers use a range of narrative techniques to create a sense of tension and suspense, often culminating in a dramatic or unexpected resolution. The tales are set in a variety of locations, including rural villages, castles, and forests, and feature a diverse cast of characters, from kings and queens to peasants and outcasts. The stories often draw on elements of mythology and folklore, and frequently incorporate magical or supernatural elements. Overall, this collection of folk tales offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social values of 19th-century Europe, and continues to be widely read and studied today for its insights into human nature and society.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Folklore · 231 words

First lines

A countryman one day said to his little puppies, "Come into the parlour and enjoy yourselves, and pick up the bread-crumbs on the table; your mistress has gone out to pay some visits. " Then the little dogs said, "No, no, we will not go. If the mistress gets to know it, she will beat us. " The countryman said, "She will know nothing about it. Do come; after all, she never gives you anything good. " Then the little dogs again said, "Nay, nay, we must let it alone; we must not go. " But the countryman let them have no peace until at last they went, and got on the table, and ate up the bread-crumbs with all their might. But at that very moment the mistress came, and seized the stick in great haste, and beat them and treated them very hardly. And when they were outside the house, the little dogs said to the countryman, "Dost, dost, dost, dost, dost thou see? " Then the countryman laughed and said, "Didn't, didn't, didn't, you expect it? " So they just had to run away.

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The Crumbs on the Table is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1819 CE.

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Work type: Fable
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Date: 1819 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Folklore, Humor
Length: 231 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fable — The story features animals with human characteristics and conveys a moral lesson.
Children's Literature — The narrative is simple and suitable for a young audience, with a clear moral.
Folklore — The tale is part of a traditional collection of stories passed down through generations.
Humor — The story contains elements of irony and humor, particularly in the dialogue and outcome.