Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Wolf and the Boy explained
A Wolf, after a good meal and in a playful mood, discovers a Boy hiding in fear.
What happens
A Wolf, after a good meal and in a playful mood, discovers a Boy hiding in fear. The Wolf offers to spare the Boy's life if he can state three indisputable truths. The Boy courageously says it is a pity the Wolf saw him, that he was foolish to be seen, and that wolves are hated for unprovoked attacks on flocks. The Wolf acknowledges the truths from the Boy's perspective and lets him go.
Themes in this chapter
Cunning and Deception
The Boy uses cleverness and truthful statements to outwit the Wolf and save his life.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The Boy admits his own foolishness in being seen, but his wisdom in crafting truthful statements earns his freedom.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“First, it is a pity you saw me; secondly, I was a fool to let myself be seen; and thirdly, we all hate wolves because they are always making unprovoked attacks upon our flocks.”
The Boy states three undeniable facts: the Wolf's discovery was unfortunate, his own carelessness led to being seen, and wolves are universally despised for their unprovoked attacks on sheep.
The Boy's clever use of self-deprecation and general truth appeals to the Wolf's sense of fairness.