The Hen and the Swallow
This novella explores themes of morality, compassion, and the nature of good deeds. A peasant woman's hen is killed by a swallow, leading to her grief and anger. She seeks revenge against the bird, but ultimately decides to forgive it instead. The story highlights the importance of forgiveness and letting go of negative emotions.
By Leo Tolstoy · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Children's Literature · 49 words
First lines
A Hen found some snake's eggs and began to sit on them. A Swallow saw it and said:
"Stupid one! You will hatch them out, and, when they grow up, you will be the first one to suffer from them. "
What this Textopian page supports
The Hen and the Swallow 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, Children's Literature, Philosophical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 49 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Hen and the Swallow by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Frog And The Lion by Leo Tolstoy
- The Hare And The Harrier by Leo Tolstoy
- The Wild Ass And The Tame Ass by Leo Tolstoy
- The Hares And The Frogs by Leo Tolstoy
- The Lion And The Fox by Leo Tolstoy
- The Jackdaw And The Doves by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through anthropomorphized animals, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story represents deeper meanings about consequences and wisdom, typical of allegorical tales.
- Children's Literature — The simple plot and moral lesson make it suitable for a young audience.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes provoke thought about choices and their repercussions, aligning with philosophical exploration.
Tags
Fable · Philosophy · Morality · Nature · Animal Story · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Class Struggle · Poverty · Inequality · Human Condition