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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Crow and the Swan explained

A Crow, envious of the Swan's white plumage, believes it is due to the water the Swan bathes in.

What happens

A Crow, envious of the Swan's white plumage, believes it is due to the water the Swan bathes in. He leaves his source of food to live by the water, but despite constant bathing, his feathers remain black and he dies of hunger. The moral is that one may change habits but not nature.

Themes in this chapter

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Crow mistakes the Swan's white feathers as a result of bathing, not realizing it is inherent nature.

  • Human Nature and Vice

    Envy drives the Crow to abandon his livelihood in a futile attempt to change his nature, leading to his demise.

Characters to notice

  • The Crow

    Envious of the Swan's beauty, leaves his home to try to change his appearance, but fails and dies.

  • The Swan

    Possesses beautiful white plumage, which the Crow envies, but is not directly involved in the action.

Key passages

  • “You may change your habits, but not your nature.”

    One can alter their behavior, but their fundamental character remains unchanged.

    The moral of the fable, emphasizing the theme of inherent nature.

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