The Frog and the Hen
A satirical fable unfolds as two animals engage in a terse debate over the value of their respective contributions. One creature, known for his incessant and grating nighttime sounds, irritates his neighbor, who defies the disturbance with a singular yet notable accomplishment. The arguing neighbor asserts that her modest act of creation—a solitary egg—is sufficient to justify the uproar surrounding her presence, in contrast to the disruptive noise that plagues the community day and night. Through their exchange, the narrative examines the contrast between genuine, albeit small, contributions and empty or counterproductive behaviors. The work uses concise dialogue and pointed irony to critique those who diminish modest achievements while overvaluing continuous, unproductive actions. It challenges readers to reassess the true worth of acts that build and sustain communal well-being versus those that simply cause disturbance without yielding any tangible benefit. In doing so, the allegory reflects on broader themes of social contribution, the nature of merit, and the sometimes disproportionate attention given to actions that, despite their frequency, fail to produce any positive change.
By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1782 · Genre: Fable, Poetry, Children's Literature · 150 words
First lines
Once on a time, a noisy Frog Heard a Hen cackling near his bog; "Begone! " said he; "your clamor rude Disturbs our quiet neighborhood.
What's all this shocking fuss about, I beg? " -- "Nothing, dear sir, but that I've laid an egg."
"A single egg! and therefore such a rout? " --
"Yes, neighbor Frog, a single egg, I say.
What this Textopian page supports
The Frog and the Hen 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, Poetry, Children's Literature, Allegory, Satire
- Length: 150 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Beetle by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Wild Knight And Other Poems The Donkey by G. K. Chesterton
- The Fabulist And The Animals by Ambrose Bierce
- The Viper And The Leech by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Eagle The Cat And The Wild Sow by Esopo
- The Ass And The Grasshoppers by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fable — It uses anthropomorphic characters to deliver a succinct moral lesson.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, reflecting rhythmic and structured language.
- Children's Literature — Its straightforward narrative and moral content are characteristic of texts aimed at young readers.
- Allegory — The characters symbolize broader human traits, offering lessons beyond the literal story.
Tags
fable · allegory · moral · satire · animal tale · anthropomorphic · poetic · humor · irony · classic · literary · educational