# The Cock and the Jewel explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A Cock, while scratching for food, discovers a Jewel but dismisses its value, preferring a single grain of corn over all the jewels in the world.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The Cock's preference for corn over a jewel highlights a contrast between practical wisdom and perceived foolishness.

## Character check-ins

### The Cock

The Cock values practical sustenance over precious gems.

## Key lines

> Ho! said he, a fine thing you are, no doubt, and, had your owner found you, great would his joy have been. But for me! give me a single grain of corn before all the jewels in the world.

The Cock acknowledges the jewel's value to its owner but states that he would rather have a single grain of corn than all the jewels in existence.

_The Cock's declaration underscores the theme of valuing what is immediately useful over what is conventionally precious._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-cock-and-the-jewel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters