Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Old Man and Death explained
An old man, weary from carrying a heavy bundle of faggots, calls upon Death to end his suffering.
What happens
An old man, weary from carrying a heavy bundle of faggots, calls upon Death to end his suffering. When Death appears ready to oblige, the man, frightened, asks instead for help lifting his burden.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom and Foolishness
The old man's foolishness is revealed when he calls for Death without considering the consequences, then quickly retreats from his wish.
Human Nature and Vice
The fable illustrates the human tendency to complain about life's burdens yet cling to life when faced with its end.
Characters to notice
- The Old Man
An elderly laborer who, exhausted from his toil, summons Death but then recoils in fear.
- Death
The personification of death, who appears promptly when called but is then rebuffed by the old man.
Key passages
“Casting his burden on the ground, he called upon Death to come and release him from his life of toil.”
He dropped his load and begged Death to free him from his hard life.
The old man's desperation leads him to summon Death, showing his momentary despair.
“Good sir, if you’d be so kind, pray help me up with my burden again.”
Please, sir, if you would, just help me lift my bundle back onto my shoulders.
Fear of Death causes the old man to quickly change his request, preferring his familiar hardship.