# The Old Man and Death explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-old-man-and-death
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters