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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Pack-Ass and the Wild Ass explained

A Wild Ass envies a well-fed Pack-Ass, but later sees him laboring under a heavy load and being beaten, realizing that comforts often come at a great cost.

What happens

A Wild Ass envies a well-fed Pack-Ass, but later sees him laboring under a heavy load and being beaten, realizing that comforts often come at a great cost.

Themes in this chapter

  • Wisdom and Foolishness

    The Wild Ass gains wisdom by observing the true cost of the Pack-Ass's apparent good fortune.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Pack-Ass's sleek coat hides the harsh reality of his servitude.

Characters to notice

  • The Ass

    The Pack-Ass is initially seen enjoying leisure but later endures hard labor and beatings.

  • The Ass

    The Wild Ass observes the Pack-Ass's change in fortune and learns a lesson about the price of comfort.

Key passages

  • “Advantages that are dearly bought are doubtful blessings.”

    Benefits that come at a high price may not truly be benefits at all.

    The moral of the fable, warning against envying apparent good fortune without considering its hidden costs.

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