The Crow and the Turkey
A narrative in verse that stages a contest between two birds, one light-heartedly disparaging the other while focusing on the challenge of flight. The work opens with the declaration of a race between the two, emphasizing that the contest is meant to test their aerial abilities rather than settle personal grievances. One bird, characterized by its vibrant criticism, immediately launches into insults based on physical appearance and customary habits—accusing its rival of being ill-fated, unattractive, and repulsive for scavenging on decaying matter. In response, the other bird dismisses the personal jabs, directing attention solely to the flight contest, implying that superficial attributes bear no relevance to the matter of performance. The dialogue functions on two levels. On one layer, it is a literal contest of speed in flight, with each bird representing a distinct set of traits. On another layer, the exchange serves as an allegory for literary or social criticism, illustrating how detractors may bypass legitimate critique by resorting to baseless personal attacks. The satirical tone reinforces the notion that an individual's true capability should be measured by genuine merit—in this case, the ability to fly—rather than by extraneous factors such as appearance or reputation. As the debate unfolds, the narrative criticizes those who, when faced with an absence of valid criticism in established works, default to petty and spiteful invective. This observation reflects a broader commentary on evaluative practices in intellectual and artistic discourse. The work thereby challenges the reader to consider the value of substance over form, advocating for an appraisal based on inherent ability rather than on superficial faults. Overall, the piece employs humor, irony, and allegorical subtlety to explore themes of merit, envy, and the nature of criticism. By framing the contest in terms of a simple race, it mocks the tendency of detractors to focus on trivial personal imperfections while neglecting the real achievements at hand.
By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1782 · Genre: Fable, Allegory, Satire · 273 words
First lines
A bitter contest once did spring, -- No matter how the fact I know, -- On their respective speed of wing, Between a Turkey and a Crow.
Which first would reach the appointed station, Sure you can tell, as well as I, Without much grave consideration, If you have ever seen them fly.
"Look here," the loitering Turkey cries To Crow, half vanished out of view; "The thought will to my mind arise That you are black and ugly too.
Moreover, I have always heard," -- She shouts still louder after him, -- "You are a most unlucky bird, Foreboding naught but evils grim.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crow and the Turkey 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, Poetry, Didactic Literature
- Length: 273 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Crow and the Turkey by Tomás de Iriarte
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Similar titles
- The Monkey And The Magpie by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Viper And The Leech by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Owl And The Toad by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Frog And The Hen by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Two Thrushes by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Housemaid And The Broom by Tomas De Iriarte
Genres
- Fable — The work uses anthropomorphic animals to impart a moral lesson, characteristic of traditional fables.
- Allegory — The narrative employs animals to symbolize broader human behaviors and societal issues.
- Satire — The text critiques and mocks social prejudices and behaviors through humorous dialogue among characters.
- Poetry — The piece is written in verse with a structured rhyme and meter, highlighting its poetic form.
Tags
fable · allegory · animals · satire · morality · poetry · didactic · narrative · symbolism · anthropomorphic · classical · humor