The Lion and the Fox by Leo Tolstoy
A lion and a fox are trapped together in a cave during a severe storm. The lion tries to eat the fox but the fox uses his cunning to escape by pretending to be dead. When the lion leaves, the fox comes back to life and escapes.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1903 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Children's Literature · 127 words
First lines
A Lion, growing old, was unable to catch the animals, and so intended to live by cunning. He went into a den, lay down there, and pretended that he was sick. The animals came to see him, and he ate up those that went into his den. The Fox guessed the trick. She stood at the entrance of the den, and said:
"Well, Lion, how are you feeling?"
The Lion answered:
"Poorly. Why don't you come in?"
What this Textopian page supports
The Lion and the Fox is listed on Textopian as a fable by Leo Tolstoy, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Allegory, Children's Literature, Philosophical, Short Story
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Lion and the Fox by Leo Tolstoy
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Discussion starters
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- 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 Falcon And The Cock by Leo Tolstoy
- The Monkey by Leo Tolstoy
- The Snakes Head And Tail by Leo Tolstoy
- The Fisherman And The Fish by Leo Tolstoy
- The Ant And The Dove by Leo Tolstoy
Genres
- Fable — The narrative features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
- Allegory — The story represents deeper meanings about cunning and survival, illustrating broader themes of deception and wisdom.
- Children's Literature — The simple plot and moral lesson make it suitable for a younger audience, typical of children's stories.
- Philosophical — The themes provoke thought about human nature and ethics, aligning with philosophical literature.
Tags
Fable · Philosophy · Morality · Allegory · Satire · Social Commentary · Critique of Power · Critique of Society · Existentialism · Absurdism · Psychological Insight · Character Study