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

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A man hires an ass for a summer journey, but when he tries to rest in the ass's shadow, the owner disputes his right to it. Their argument escalates into a fight, and while they quarrel, the ass escapes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The men's foolish quarrel over the shadow leads to the loss of the ass itself, illustrating the folly of disputing trivial matters.

## Character check-ins

### The Ass

The hired animal whose shadow becomes the subject of dispute; ultimately escapes while the men fight.

## Key lines

> From words they came to blows; and while they were belabouring each other the Ass took to his heels and was soon out of sight.

Their argument turned physical, and as they fought, the ass ran away and disappeared.

_The climax of the fable, showing the consequence of their quarrel._

## Links

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