The Gardener and his Master by Tomás de Iriarte
A satirical allegory examines the pitfalls of mismanaging resources by pitting aesthetics against utility. In the narrative, a gardener is entrusted with caring for a garden that must deliver two distinct pleasures: vibrant, well-watered flowers and a supply of fish meant for consumption by his master. The gardener, however, opts to favor the fish by draining the fountain that also nourishes the flowers. His actions, although aimed at optimizing one benefit, unwittingly lead to the withering of the beloved blooms. The master’s subsequent rebuke underscores that both elements are valued and that neglecting one in favor of the other is unacceptable. This imbalance serves as a cautionary note, suggesting that successful management requires the skill of harmonizing dual, sometimes conflicting, interests. The work employs humor and a lively, rhythmic tone to critique those who lack the nuanced understanding needed to balance practicality and beauty. Ultimately, the narrative is a commentary on the necessity of balancing immediate, utilitarian gains with longer-term aesthetic or moral values. It warns that failing to achieve this balance can result in the deterioration of both aims, thereby undermining the overall objectives.
By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1782 · Genre: Didactic Poetry, Allegory, Fable · 255 words
First lines
A copious fountain played / In a garden's flowery bed, / And served to form a basin / Where many fish were fed.
Of the watering of his flowers / The Gardener thought alone; / And drained it dry, till due supply / For carp and tench was gone.
His Master soon the mischief saw, / And scolds the careless sinner.
"The flowers I love; but also like / My mess of fish for dinner."
What this Textopian page supports
The Gardener and his Master 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: Didactic Poetry, Allegory, Fable, Satire, Pastoral
- Length: 255 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gardener and his Master by Tomás de Iriarte
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Didactic Poetry — The work uses verse to instruct and convey moral lessons through structured poetic form.
- Allegory — It employs symbolic elements like the garden, flowers, and fish to represent broader ideas and ethical dilemmas.
- Fable — The narrative of the gardener and his master serves as a moral tale, characteristic of fable storytelling.
- Satire — The poem offers a humorous critique of impractical priorities and errors in judgment.
Tags
allegory · fable · didactic · moral lesson · satire · social commentary · symbolism · poetry · enlightenment · pastoral · classical · instructional