Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Partridge and the Fowler explained
A Fowler catches a Partridge and is about to kill it.
What happens
A Fowler catches a Partridge and is about to kill it. The Partridge pleads for its life, offering to betray other partridges in exchange for mercy. The Fowler refuses, condemning the Partridge for its treachery and proceeding with the killing.
Themes in this chapter
Cunning and Deception
The Partridge attempts to deceive the Fowler with a treacherous promise, but the Fowler sees through the ruse.
Justice and Consequence
The Partridge's treacherous proposal seals its fate, as the Fowler deems it deserving of death.
Characters to notice
- The Fowler
Captures the Partridge and rejects its treacherous offer, choosing to kill it.
- The Partridge
Pleads for its life by offering to betray its own kind, but is condemned for its treachery.
Key passages
“Do not kill me, but let me live and I will repay you for your kindness by decoying other partridges into your nets.”
Spare my life, and I'll lure other partridges into your traps as repayment.
The Partridge's desperate offer to betray its own kind to save itself.
“No, I will not spare you. I was going to kill you anyhow, and after that treacherous speech you thoroughly deserve your fate.”
I won't let you go. I intended to kill you regardless, and your deceitful words only confirm you deserve death.
The Fowler's rejection, condemning the Partridge for its treachery.