← All chapters

Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Ass and His Driver explained

An Ass being driven down a mountain road suddenly rushes toward a precipice.

What happens

An Ass being driven down a mountain road suddenly rushes toward a precipice. The Driver tries to pull him back by the tail but fails, and finally gives up, warning the Ass that it is the way to sudden death.

Themes in this chapter

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The Ass's foolish rush toward danger contrasts with the Driver's futile attempt to save him, highlighting the folly of ignoring wise counsel.

  • Perseverance and Effort

    The Driver's effort to pull the Ass back, though ultimately abandoned, shows the limits of perseverance when met with stubborn resistance.

Characters to notice

  • The Ass

    The stubborn animal that rushes toward the precipice despite the Driver's efforts.

  • The Dog

    The Driver who tries to pull the Ass back from the edge but ultimately gives up.

Key passages

  • “All right, then, get to the bottom your own way; but it’s the way to sudden death, as you’ll find out quick enough.”

    Fine, go ahead and fall your own way; but it leads to sudden death, as you'll soon discover.

    The Driver's final resigned warning to the stubborn Ass.

Read this chapter freeBook page