The Ass and his Master by Tomás de Iriarte

Name: The Ass and his Master
Author: Tomás de Iriarte

The work is a satirical dialogue that uses the interaction between a master and his donkey to critique how substandard provision is justified by low expectations. Through biting wit and cleverly structured verse, the master offers only a scant piece of straw to his donkey, implicitly suggesting that the animal should accept even this meager ration because it supposedly suits its nature. The donkey responds by pointing out that its acceptance of what is given does not imply that such poor quality is preferable; rather, if offered true nourishment, it would decidedly reject the inferior meal. This exchange becomes an allegory for society’s tendency to rationalize low standards and mediocre offerings by lowering the bar of what is expected or deserved. The narrative highlights the moral that the value of something should be assessed on its intrinsic quality rather than on the basis of diminished expectations or manipulated circumstances. It criticizes those who, acting on self-interest or deceit, settle for or promote subpar conditions while disguising their shortcomings with feeble justifications. The master’s dismissive attitude and the donkey’s measured retort symbolize the broader issue of accepting mediocrity when given inadequate resources under the guise of suitability or convention. The work serves as a cautionary reminder that underestimating the inherent worth of proper quality leads not only to self-degradation but also to systemic complacency. It challenges both the giver, who should strive to offer genuine value, and the receiver, who should not settle for what is unjustly deemed sufficient. By employing a clear, direct dialogue filled with irony, the poem criticizes the practice of masking poor quality with banal excuses and draws attention to the consequences of accepting diminished standards in any aspect of life.

By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1782 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Allegory · 241 words

First lines

"On good and bad an equal value sets / The stupid mob. From me the worst it gets, / And never fails to praise," With vile pretence, / The scurrilous author thus his trash excused.

A poet shrewd, hearing the lame defence, / Indignant, thus exposed the argument abused.

A Donkey's master said unto his beast, / While doling out to him his lock of straw, / "Here, take it -- since such diet suits your taste, / And much good may it do your vulgar maw!"

Often the slighting speech the man repeated.

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The Ass and his Master is listed on Textopian as a fable by Tomás de Iriarte, dated 1782 CE.

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Work type: Fable
Author: Tomás de Iriarte
Date: 1782 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Satire, Allegory, Didactic Literature
Length: 241 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Fable — The work employs anthropomorphic characters to deliver a moral lesson through a concise narrative.
Satire — It uses biting wit to expose and criticize social and literary pretensions.
Allegory — The narrative symbolism reflects broader human behaviors and societal issues beyond its literal content.
Didactic Literature — The poem is structured to instruct readers through moral and ethical reflections embedded in the dialogue between characters.