The Cocks by Tomás de Iriarte (1782)

Name: The Cocks
Author: Tomás de Iriarte

The work is an allegorical narrative presented in verse that employs cockfighting as a metaphor for intellectual and literary contests. The story revolves around a celebrated rooster who engages in battles with opponents of varying ages and statuses. In one episode, a mature, experienced cock and a young, promising chick come into conflict. The younger bird, though less seasoned, demonstrates formidable talent and vigor during the fight, ultimately besting his older adversary with a decisive, exuberant crow. In the aftermath, the defeated older cock—portrayed as a veteran whose previous encounters had left him diminished—admits that, while experience might be respected, it cannot substitute for innate ability. The elder’s comment highlights a key lesson: when engaging in matters of literary or intellectual debate, one should not allow deference to age or established status to overshadow the merits of youthful talent and innovation. The narrative thus satirizes the convention of valuing seniority or long-standing reputation over the fresh skills and insights brought by new challengers. Throughout the work, this theme is reiterated through a series of witty and pointed episodes. Each encounter between the battling birds serves as a microcosm for broader societal and cultural conflicts, particularly those found in debates over literary style and intellectual rigor. The text critiques the tendency to dismiss or undervalue emerging voices simply because they lack the historical pedigree or the outward signs of maturity, urging instead a focus on the inherent qualities and capabilities of the individuals involved. By juxtaposing the youthful hero with the older, battle-worn adversaries, the narrative ultimately champions merit as the deciding factor in any contest. It suggests that genuine talent and innovative thinking, even if inexperienced, should be given their due reward, regardless of the traditional hierarchies that might otherwise privilege age and established authority.

By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1782 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Satire · 290 words

First lines

A Cock, that was well known / As a champion brave and stout, / And a Chicken but half grown / Squabbled something about, -- / But what, to me's unknown, -- / And, after furious din, / At last got up a very pretty battle; / In which the chick such fight did show, / And the old one around so sharply rattle, / That, with a loud, exultant crow, / He claimed the honors of the field to win.

Then the seraglio's vanquished lord, -- / His rival out of hearing of his tongue, -- / Said, "Ah! in time he'll make a pretty bird, / But, now, poor fellow, he is very young."

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Genres

Fable — Uses animal characters to convey moral lessons and critique human behavior.
Allegory — Employs symbolic figures and events to represent broader social and literary ideas.
Satire — Utilizes humor and irony to comment on social norms and literary conventions.
Narrative Poetry — Tells a story through verse with a structured poetic rhythm and form.

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The Cocks is listed on Textopian as a fable by Tomás de Iriarte, dated 1782 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Tomás de Iriarte
Date: 1782 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fable, Allegory, Satire, Narrative Poetry, Animal Fiction
Length: 290 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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