# The Ass and His Driver explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-ass-and-his-driver
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters