Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Sheep and the Dog explained
The Sheep complain to the shepherd that the Dog receives better treatment despite contributing nothing tangible, but the Dog argues that his protection from thieves and wolves is invaluable, and the Sheep acknowledge their debt to him.
What happens
The Sheep complain to the shepherd that the Dog receives better treatment despite contributing nothing tangible, but the Dog argues that his protection from thieves and wolves is invaluable, and the Sheep acknowledge their debt to him.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Consequence
The Sheep perceive an injustice in the distribution of rewards, but the Dog's rebuttal reveals that true justice accounts for contributions beyond the tangible.
Perseverance and Effort
The Dog's constant watch over the Sheep exemplifies diligent effort that is not immediately visible but is essential for their safety.
Characters to notice
- The Sheep
Complain to the shepherd about unequal treatment compared to the Dog.
- The Dog
Defends his privileged position by pointing out his protective role.
- The Shepherd
The master who feeds the Dog titbits and is the object of the Sheep's complaint.
Key passages
“We provide you with wool and lambs and milk and you give us nothing but grass, and even that we have to find for ourselves: but you get nothing at all from the Dog, and yet you feed him with titbits from your own table.”
The Sheep argue that they supply wool, lambs, and milk while receiving only grass, whereas the Dog gives nothing yet gets choice food from the shepherd.
Highlights the Sheep's perception of unfairness based on visible contributions.
“Yes, and quite right, too: where would you be if it wasn’t for me? Thieves would steal you! Wolves would eat you! Indeed, if I didn’t keep constant watch over you, you would be too terrified even to graze!”
The Dog retorts that without his vigilance, the Sheep would be stolen by thieves or eaten by wolves, and would be too frightened to graze.
Emphasizes the Dog's essential but invisible protective role.