The Dog and the Wolf by Leo Tolstoy
The story revolves around a dog who lives with his master, a wolf hunter. The dog's life is one of comfort and security, but he is also aware of the danger that lurks outside their home. One day, while out on a walk, the dog encounters a wolf who has been injured by the hunter. Despite being a predator, the wolf shows kindness to the dog, offering him food and shelter. The dog is torn between his loyalty to his master and his newfound friendship with the wolf. He begins to question the morality of hunting and killing wolves, and starts to see them as fellow living beings rather than just prey. As the story progresses, the dog's relationship with the wolf deepens, and he becomes more and more conflicted about his role in the hunter's world. Ultimately, the dog must make a choice between his loyalty to his master and his newfound sense of compassion for the wolf.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Short Story · 145 words
First lines
A Dog fell asleep back of the yard. A Wolf ran up and wanted to eat him.
Said the Dog:
"Wolf, don't eat me yet: now I am lean and bony. Wait a little, -- my master is going to celebrate a wedding; then I shall have plenty to eat; I shall grow fat. It will be better to eat me then."
The Wolf believed her, and went away. Then he came a second time, and saw the Dog lying on the roof. The Wolf said to her:
What this Textopian page supports
The Dog and the Wolf is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Short Story, Animal Fiction, Moral Tale
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Dog and the Wolf by Leo Tolstoy
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dog and the Wolf?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- The Lion And The Fox by Leo Tolstoy
- The Falcon And The Cock by Leo Tolstoy
- The Monkey by Leo Tolstoy
- The Duck And The Moon by Leo Tolstoy
- The Snakes Head And Tail by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story represents broader themes of survival and cunning, illustrating deeper societal or ethical implications.
- Short Story — The work is concise and presents a complete narrative arc within a limited word count.
- Animal Fiction — The characters are animals that exhibit human traits, focusing on their interactions and behaviors.
Tags
Fable · Philosophy · Morality · Animalism · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Ethics · Moral Dilemma · Choice vs Consequence · Free Will