# The Ploughman, the Ass, and the Ox explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-ploughman-the-ass-and-the-ox
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters