Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Ploughman, the Ass, and the Ox explained
A Ploughman yokes his Ox and Ass together to plough his field, and at the end of the day the Ass asks which of them will carry the master home, to which the Ox replies that it is the Ass's usual duty.
What happens
A Ploughman yokes his Ox and Ass together to plough his field, and at the end of the day the Ass asks which of them will carry the master home, to which the Ox replies that it is the Ass's usual duty.
Themes in this chapter
Social Hierarchy and Power
The Ass and Ox have distinct roles and duties, with the Ass expected to carry the master home, reflecting their place in the labor hierarchy.
Perseverance and Effort
Both beasts work hard ploughing the field, highlighting the theme of enduring labor.
Characters to notice
- The Ass
Yoked with the Ox to plough the field; questions which beast will carry the master home.
- The Ox
Yoked with the Ass; surprised by the Ass's question and states the Ass will carry the master as usual.
- The Farmer
The Ploughman who yokes the Ox and Ass together and is carried home by the Ass.
Key passages
“A Ploughman yoked his Ox and his Ass together, and set to work to plough his field.”
A farmer harnessed his Ox and Ass together to plow his field.
Sets the scene for the day's labor.
“At the end of the day, when the beasts were loosed from the yoke, the Ass said to the Ox, 'Well, we’ve had a hard day: which of us is to carry the master home?'”
After the work was done and they were unharnessed, the Ass asked the Ox which of them would carry the farmer home.
The Ass initiates the conversation about their post-work duties.
“The Ox looked surprised at the question. 'Why,' said he, 'you, to be sure, as usual.'”
The Ox was taken aback and replied that the Ass would carry the master, as always.
The Ox confirms the Ass's expected role.