The Hen and the Chicks
A peasant woman's hen lays eggs that hatch into chicks, which she sells to a wealthy family. The family's children are delighted with the chicks but soon tire of them and abandon them in the forest. The hen searches for her lost chicks and eventually finds them, but they have grown up and are now wild birds.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1856 · Genre: Fable, Children's Literature, Allegory · 112 words
First lines
A Hen hatched some Chicks, but did not know how to take care of them. So she said to them:
"Creep back into your shells! When you are inside your shells, I will sit on you as before, and will take care of you."
The Chicks did as they were ordered and tried to creep into their shells, but were unable to do so, and only crushed their wings. Then one of the Chicks said to his mother:
"If we are to stay all the time in our shells, you ought never to have hatched us. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Hen and the Chicks 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, Children's Literature, Allegory, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 112 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hen and the Chicks by Leo Tolstoy
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- 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 Hen and the Chicks?
- How does this fable by Leo Tolstoy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Duck And The Moon by Leo Tolstoy
- The Frog And The Lion by Leo Tolstoy
- The Cow And The Billy Goat by Leo Tolstoy
- The Mouse Under The Granary by Leo Tolstoy
- The Crane And The Stork by Leo Tolstoy
- The Fox 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 themes are suitable for a young audience, focusing on growth and understanding.
- Allegory — The story reflects deeper themes about parental responsibility and the consequences of misguided care.
- Philosophical Fiction — The dialogue and situation provoke thought about existence and the nature of care.
Tags
Fable · Satire · Social Commentary · Animal Fiction · Russian Literature · 19th Century Literature · Philosophical Fiction · Morality Tale · Critique of Society · Class Satire · Farm Setting · Rural Life