Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Pomegranate, the Apple-Tree, and the Bramble explained
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argue over which bears the better fruit, each boasting of its own quality.
What happens
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argue over which bears the better fruit, each boasting of its own quality. Their quarrel escalates until a Bramble interrupts from a nearby hedge, presumptuously telling them to stop. The fable illustrates the folly of pride and the absurdity of an inferior party meddling in a dispute between superiors.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Folly
Both the Pomegranate and the Apple-tree display pride in their fruits, leading to a foolish quarrel.
Social Hierarchy and Power
The Bramble, a lowly plant, oversteps its place by presuming to mediate between two superior trees, highlighting social order and presumption.
Characters to notice
- The Bramble
Impertinently interrupts the quarrel between the Pomegranate and the Apple-tree, asserting itself despite its lowly status.
Key passages
“A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree were disputing about the quality of their fruits, and each claimed that its own was the better of the two.”
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argued over which fruit was superior, each insisting its own was best.
Sets up the central conflict of pride and rivalry.
“High words passed between them, and a violent quarrel was imminent, when a Bramble impudently poked its head out of a neighbouring hedge and said, “There, that’s enough, my friends; don’t let us quarrel.””
Their argument grew heated and nearly became a fight, but then a Bramble rudely stuck its head from a nearby hedge and told them to stop quarreling.
Highlights the Bramble's presumptuous interference in a dispute above its station.