The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox
This work is a collection of fables that critique societal norms and conventions. It explores the nature of morality, free will, and the consequences of one's actions. The stories are presented in a straightforward manner, with minimal narrative embellishment, allowing the reader to focus on the themes and messages being conveyed.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1845 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Allegory · 139 words
First lines
A Dog and a Cock went to travel together. At night the Cock fell asleep in a tree, and the Dog fixed a place for himself between the roots of that tree. When the time came, the Cock began to crow. A Fox heard the Cock, ran up to the tree, and began to beg the Cock to come down, as she wanted to give him her respects for such a fine voice.
The Cock said:
"You must first wake up the janitor, -- he is sleeping between the roots. Let him open up, and I will come down."
The Fox began to look for the janitor, and started yelping. The Dog sprang out at once and killed the Fox.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1845 CE.
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: 1845 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Children's Literature, Allegory, Adventure, Moral Tale
- Length: 139 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox by Leo Tolstoy
- 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 Dog, the Cock, and the Fox?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy 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 Jackals And The Elephant by Leo Tolstoy
- A Fable by Mark Twain
- The Farmyard Cock And The Weathercock by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Ant And The Dove by Leo Tolstoy
- The Wolf And The Goat by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
- Children's Literature — The simple plot and clear moral make it suitable for a young audience.
- Allegory — The story represents broader themes of vigilance and the consequences of deceit.
- Adventure — The journey of the Dog and the Cock introduces elements of adventure and conflict.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Social Commentary · Animal Story · Russian Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Morality Tale · Critique of Society · Allegory · Symbolism · Nature Imagery