The Falcon and the Cock
The story revolves around a wealthy landowner who becomes disillusioned with his life and decides to leave it behind. He abandons his family and estate, seeking spiritual enlightenment through asceticism and self-denial. The narrative explores themes of morality, faith, and the human condition as the protagonist grapples with his newfound sense of purpose.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1856 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical · 157 words
First lines
The Falcon was used to the master, and came to his hand when he was called; the Cock ran away from his master and cried when people went up to him. So the Falcon said to the Cock:
"In you Cocks there is no gratitude; one can see that you are of a common breed. You go to your masters only when you are hungry. It is different with us wild birds. We have much strength, and we can fly faster than anybody; still we do not fly away from people, but of our own accord go to their hands when we are called. We remember that they feed us."
Then the Cock said:
"You do not run away from people because you have never seen a roast Falcon, but we, you know, see roast Cocks. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Falcon and the Cock is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1856 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: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Philosophical, Short Story, Satire
- Length: 157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Falcon and the Cock 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 Falcon and the Cock?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Lion And The Fox by Leo Tolstoy
- The Hares And The Frogs by Leo Tolstoy
- The Duck And The Moon by Leo Tolstoy
- The Imp And The Crust by Leo Tolstoy
- The Dog And The Wolf by Leo Tolstoy
- The Wild Ass And The Tame Ass by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals conveying moral lessons, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story uses symbolic characters to explore themes of loyalty and gratitude.
- Philosophical — The dialogue between the Falcon and the Cock reflects deeper philosophical questions about nature and human behavior.
- Short Story — The work is concise and presents a complete narrative arc typical of short stories.
Tags
Fable · Philosophy · Morality · Satire · Social Commentary · Russian Literature · 19th Century · Short Story · Animal Fable · Critique of Society · Human Nature · Moral Lesson