Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Rose and the Amaranth explained
A Rose and an Amaranth grow side by side in a garden.
What happens
A Rose and an Amaranth grow side by side in a garden. The Amaranth envies the Rose's beauty and scent, but the Rose explains that its beauty is fleeting, while the Amaranth's flowers are everlasting.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The Rose's outward beauty contrasts with its ephemeral nature, while the Amaranth's less showy appearance hides its enduring quality.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The Rose wisely acknowledges the transience of its own beauty, showing understanding of its true nature.
Characters to notice
- The Rose
The Rose, though beautiful and fragrant, laments its short-lived bloom.
Key passages
“How I envy you your beauty and your sweet scent! No wonder you are such a universal favourite.”
The Amaranth admires the Rose's beauty and fragrance, noting its popularity.
The Amaranth expresses envy for the Rose's attractive qualities.
“Ah, my dear friend, I bloom but for a time: my petals soon wither and fall, and then I die. But your flowers never fade, even if they are cut; for they are everlasting.”
The Rose explains that its beauty is temporary, while the Amaranth's flowers are permanent.
The Rose contrasts its fleeting life with the Amaranth's enduring nature.