Theme

1. The Boy Who Cried Wolf A shepherd-boy, who watched a flock of sheep near a village, brought out the villagers three or four times by crying out, "Wolf! Wolf!" and when his neighbors came to help him, he laughed at them for believing he was in trouble. The Wolf, however, did truly come at last. The Shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony of terror: "Pray, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the sheep"; but no one paid any attention to his cries, nor offered any assistance. The Wolf, having no fear, destroyed the whole flock.

It is easy to despise what you cannot get

Once a person becomes a liar their is no believing him

Preparation pays off

The correct answer suggests that once a person becomes a liar, it becomes difficult to trust or believe anything they say. This is illustrated in the story of the shepherd-boy who repeatedly lied about the presence of a wolf, causing the villagers to lose trust in him. When the wolf actually appeared and the boy cried for help, no one believed him, resulting in the destruction of the flock. This teaches us the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of maintaining credibility and trustworthiness.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that once a person becomes a liar, it becomes difficult to trust or believe anything they say. This is illustrated in the story of the shepherd-boy who repeatedly lied about the presence of a wolf, causing the villagers to lose trust in him. When the wolf actually appeared and the boy cried for help, no one believed him, resulting in the destruction of the flock. This teaches us the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of maintaining credibility and trustworthiness.

2. The Rabbit was once boasting of his speed before the other animals. "I have never yet been beaten," said he, "when I put forth my full speed. I challenge any one here to race with me." The Tortoise said quietly, "I accept your challenge." "That is a good joke," said the Rabbit; "I could dance around you all the way." "Keep your boasting till you've won," answered the Tortoise. "Shall we race?" So a course was fixed and a start was made. The Rabbit darted almost out of sight at once, but soon stopped and, to show his contempt for the Tortoise, lay down to have a nap. The Tortoise plodded on and plodded on, and when the Rabbit awoke from his nap, he saw the Tortoise just near the winning-post and could not run up in time to save the race.

Preparation pays off

Gossips are to be seen and not heard

Slow but steady wins the race

The correct answer is "Slow but steady wins the race" because the story illustrates the importance of perseverance and consistent effort. The Rabbit, who boasts about his speed, underestimates the Tortoise and takes a nap during the race. Meanwhile, the Tortoise continues to plod on steadily and ultimately wins the race. This teaches us that even though slow, consistent progress may seem less impressive, it can lead to success in the long run.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Slow but steady wins the race" because the story illustrates the importance of perseverance and consistent effort. The Rabbit, who boasts about his speed, underestimates the Tortoise and takes a nap during the race. Meanwhile, the Tortoise continues to plod on steadily and ultimately wins the race. This teaches us that even though slow, consistent progress may seem less impressive, it can lead to success in the long run.

3. The Donkey and his Buyer A man who wanted to buy a Donkey went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. When he reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other donkeys. The new Donkey took a look around, and immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. When the master saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed him back to his owner again. The owner was a good deal surprised to seem him back so soon, and said, "Why, do you mean to say you have tested him already?" "I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other. "I could see what sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself."

Slow but steady wins the race

A person is known by the company he or she keeps

Never trust your enemy

The fable of "The Donkey and his Buyer" illustrates the idea that a person's character can be judged by the company they keep. The new donkey's choice to stand next to the laziest and greediest donkey in the stable reveals his own tendencies towards laziness and greed. The buyer, recognizing this, promptly returns the donkey to its owner, understanding that the donkey's choice of companion reflects its own character. This fable serves as a reminder that our associations and friendships can reveal a great deal about our own values and inclinations.

Explanation

The fable of "The Donkey and his Buyer" illustrates the idea that a person's character can be judged by the company they keep. The new donkey's choice to stand next to the laziest and greediest donkey in the stable reveals his own tendencies towards laziness and greed. The buyer, recognizing this, promptly returns the donkey to its owner, understanding that the donkey's choice of companion reflects its own character. This fable serves as a reminder that our associations and friendships can reveal a great deal about our own values and inclinations.

4. The Ant and the Grasshopper In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?" "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same." "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper. “We have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer.

It is easy to despise what you cannot get

Preparation pays off

Kindness pays off more than harshness

The correct answer suggests that the story of the ant and the grasshopper illustrates the idea that preparation pays off. The ant, through hard work and foresight, stored up food for the winter and was able to survive. In contrast, the grasshopper, who did not prepare and instead enjoyed the present abundance, suffered when winter came and had no food. This teaches the lesson that being prepared and planning ahead can lead to better outcomes in the future.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that the story of the ant and the grasshopper illustrates the idea that preparation pays off. The ant, through hard work and foresight, stored up food for the winter and was able to survive. In contrast, the grasshopper, who did not prepare and instead enjoyed the present abundance, suffered when winter came and had no food. This teaches the lesson that being prepared and planning ahead can lead to better outcomes in the future.

5. The Wind and the Sun The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveler coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveler to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveler. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveler wrap his cloak around him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveler, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

Kindness pays off more than harshness

It is easy to despise what you cannot get

Preparation pays off

The correct answer is "Kindness pays off more than harshness" because in the story, the Wind tried to forcefully remove the traveler's cloak by blowing harder, but the traveler held onto it tightly. However, when the Sun came out and shone warmly, the traveler willingly took off his cloak because he found it too hot. This shows that being kind and gentle can often be more effective in achieving desired outcomes than using force or harshness.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Kindness pays off more than harshness" because in the story, the Wind tried to forcefully remove the traveler's cloak by blowing harder, but the traveler held onto it tightly. However, when the Sun came out and shone warmly, the traveler willingly took off his cloak because he found it too hot. This shows that being kind and gentle can often be more effective in achieving desired outcomes than using force or harshness.