# The Monkey as King explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

The Monkey is elected king by the animals after delighting them with his dancing. The Fox, disgusted by this, tricks the Monkey into a trap by offering him a piece of meat, leading to the Monkey's capture and the Fox's mockery of his foolishness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cunning and Deception

The Fox uses flattery and a false gift to deceive the Monkey into a trap.

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The Monkey's lack of wisdom leads him to fall for the Fox's trick, highlighting the folly of unearned authority.

## Character check-ins

### The Monkey

Elected king by the animals but easily tricked by the Fox into a trap.

### The Fox

Disgusted by the Monkey's promotion, he cunningly lures the Monkey into a trap.

## Key lines

> Here is a dainty morsel I have found, sire; I did not take it myself, because I thought it ought to be reserved for you, our King. Will you be pleased to accept it?

The Fox offers the Monkey a piece of meat, claiming he saved it for the king.

_The Fox uses flattery to manipulate the Monkey._

> O Monkey, you call yourself King of the Beasts and haven’t more sense than to be taken in like that!

The Fox mocks the Monkey for being foolish despite his title.

_The Fox exposes the Monkey's lack of wisdom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-monkey-as-king
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters