Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Peacock and the Crane explained
A Peacock mocks a Crane for its plain feathers, boasting about its own brilliant colors.
What happens
A Peacock mocks a Crane for its plain feathers, boasting about its own brilliant colors. The Crane acknowledges the Peacock's beauty but points out that its own ability to soar into the clouds far surpasses the Peacock's earthbound existence.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The Peacock values outward beauty, while the Crane reveals that true worth lies in ability and freedom, not just appearance.
Pride and Folly
The Peacock's pride in its feathers is shown to be foolish when the Crane points out the limitations of such vanity.
Characters to notice
- The Peacock
Taunts the Crane about its dull plumage, boasting of its own brilliant colors.
- The Crane
Responds to the Peacock's taunt by highlighting its own ability to fly high, contrasting it with the Peacock's earthbound nature.
Key passages
“Look at my brilliant colours,” said she, “and see how much finer they are than your poor feathers.”
The Peacock boasts, telling the Crane to admire its vibrant feathers and how superior they are to the Crane's plain ones.
Highlights the Peacock's vanity and pride in its appearance.
“I am not denying,” replied the Crane, “that yours are far gayer than mine; but when it comes to flying I can soar into the clouds, whereas you are confined to the earth like any dunghill cock.”
The Crane agrees that the Peacock's feathers are more colorful, but counters that it can fly high into the sky, unlike the Peacock which is stuck on the ground.
Emphasizes the contrast between superficial beauty and practical ability.