Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Dog Chasing a Wolf explained
A Dog chases a Wolf, boasting of his own strength and speed, but the Wolf reveals that he is not fleeing from the Dog but from the Dog's master.
What happens
A Dog chases a Wolf, boasting of his own strength and speed, but the Wolf reveals that he is not fleeing from the Dog but from the Dog's master.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the victor Cock, swollen with pride after his triumph, is sud…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Pride and Folly
The Dog's pride in his own abilities is undercut by the Wolf's revelation.
- Appearance vs. Reality
The Dog mistakes the Wolf's flight as fear of him, when it is actually fear of the master.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“A Dog was chasing a Wolf, and as he ran he thought what a fine fellow he was, and what strong legs he had, and how quickly they covered the ground.”
A Dog pursued a Wolf, congratulating himself on his own speed and strength.
Highlights the Dog's self-congratulatory attitude.
“Don’t you imagine I’m running away from you, my friend: it’s your master I’m afraid of.”
The Wolf clarifies that his flight is motivated by fear of the Dog's owner, not the Dog himself.
Reveals the true reason for the Wolf's retreat.
