Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Ass Carrying the Image explained
A man places an image on his ass to transport it to a temple.
What happens
A man places an image on his ass to transport it to a temple. The ass mistakes the reverence shown to the image as respect for himself, becomes conceited, and refuses to move. His driver beats him and reminds him that the worship is not for him, illustrating the folly of taking credit due to others.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Folly
The ass's pride in thinking the reverence is for him leads to his foolish obstinacy and subsequent punishment.
Appearance vs. Reality
The ass mistakes the appearance of worship directed at the image for reality, believing it is meant for him.
Characters to notice
- The Ass
The ass becomes conceited, mistaking reverence for the image as respect for himself, and refuses to proceed.
Key passages
“Rude shocks await those who take to themselves the credit that is due to others.”
Those who claim credit for others' achievements will face harsh consequences.
The moral of the fable, emphasizing the danger of misplaced pride.