Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Monkey and the Camel explained
At a gathering of all the beasts, the Monkey's dancing earns great applause, stirring envy in the Camel, who attempts to imitate him.
What happens
At a gathering of all the beasts, the Monkey's dancing earns great applause, stirring envy in the Camel, who attempts to imitate him. The Camel's clumsy performance is met with ridicule, and he is driven away by the other beasts.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Folly
The Camel's pride leads him to attempt something beyond his ability, resulting in folly and public humiliation.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The Camel's lack of wisdom in recognizing his own limitations contrasts with the Monkey's natural talent.
Characters to notice
- The Monkey
Entertains the assembly with his dancing, earning applause and provoking the Camel's envy.
- The Camel
Envious of the Monkey's success, attempts to dance but makes a grotesque spectacle and is ridiculed.
Key passages
“At a gathering of all the beasts the Monkey gave an exhibition of dancing and entertained the company vastly.”
During a meeting of all the animals, the Monkey performed a dance that greatly amused everyone present.
Sets the scene for the Monkey's success and the Camel's envy.
“So he got up from his place and began dancing, but he cut such a ridiculous figure as he plunged about, and made such a grotesque exhibition of his ungainly person, that the beasts all fell upon him with ridicule and drove him away.”
The Camel rose and tried to dance, but his awkward movements made him look so absurd that the other animals mocked him and chased him off.
Highlights the Camel's failed imitation and the harsh reaction of the audience.