The Owl and the Toad
A satirical poem in which a discreet, reclusive bird and a bold, extroverted amphibian debate the merits of modesty versus ostentation. The bird insists on remaining hidden to preserve dignity and avoid the pitfalls of public performance, while the amphibian advocates exposing oneself to garner admiration, even at the risk of attracting undue attention. Through their witty exchange, the work comments on the nature of literary production, suggesting that many creative efforts might be better left unpublished, yet authors feel compelled to display them regardless. The dialogue serves as an allegory for the tension between the value of genuine reserve and the appeal of conspicuous behavior, ultimately critiquing the tendency in literature—and by extension, in society—to favor flashy presentation over substantive merit.
By Tomás de Iriarte · First published 1756 · Genre: Fable, Satire, Allegory · 288 words
First lines
A red Owl was sitting quietly Up in his hole, in a hollow tree, Where he chanced to catch the curious eye Of a great Toad that was hopping by.
"Holloa, up there, Sir Solitary! " -- Spoke out the Toad, with accent merry, -- "Poke out your head, and let us see, Handsome or ugly, whether you be."
"I have never set up for an elegant beau," -- Answered the Owl to the Toad below.
"To attempt by daylight to make a great show, Will hardly do for me -- well I know.
What this Textopian page supports
The Owl and the Toad is listed on Textopian as a fable by Tomás de Iriarte, dated 1756 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: 1756 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Satire, Allegory, Humorous Poetry, Children's Literature
- Length: 288 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Owl and the Toad by Tomás de Iriarte
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Discussion starters
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- How does this fable by Tomás de Iriarte fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Frog And The Hen by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Beetle by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Oil Merchants Ass by Tomas De Iriarte
- The Magpies Nest A Fable by Charles Lamb
- A Low Trick by Gelett Burgess
- The Mountain And The Mouse by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fable — Animal characters are used to convey a moral lesson and critique literary habits.
- Satire — The work humorously critiques authors and their vanity through witty dialogue.
- Allegory — The narrative operates on a symbolic level, representing broader themes about literary creation.
- Humorous Poetry — The playful verse, wit, and rhythmic structure underpin the work’s comic tone.
Tags
fable · poetry · allegory · satire · humor · animals · moral · didactic · rhyme · classical · Spanish literature · whimsical