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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Wasp and the Snake explained

A Wasp repeatedly stings a Snake and refuses to let go.

What happens

A Wasp repeatedly stings a Snake and refuses to let go. Driven mad by pain, the Snake, in desperation, places its head under a wagon wheel, killing both itself and the Wasp.

Themes in this chapter

  • Justice and Consequence

    The Snake's desperate act results in both creatures perishing, illustrating the severe consequences of revenge.

  • Human Nature and Vice

    The Wasp's stubbornness and the Snake's vengeful fury highlight destructive aspects of human nature.

Characters to notice

  • The Wasp

    Stings the Snake and clings obstinately, leading to mutual destruction.

  • The Snake

    Maddened by the Wasp's stings, sacrifices itself to kill the Wasp.

Key passages

  • “Kill you I will, even at the cost of my own life”

    I will destroy you, even if it means my own death.

    The Snake's final declaration of desperate revenge.

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