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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Fox and the Snake explained

A Snake, swept away by a river current, clings to a bundle of thorns and is carried downstream.

What happens

A Snake, swept away by a river current, clings to a bundle of thorns and is carried downstream. A Fox observes this and remarks that the passenger suits the vessel.

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

SetupAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the victor Cock, swollen with pride after his triumph, is sud…

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Themes in this chapter

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Snake's dangerous nature contrasts with its helpless appearance, and the thorns' prickly nature matches the Snake's own.

Characters to notice

  • The Fox

    Observes the Snake and makes a witty remark.

  • The Snake

    Carried away by the river, clings to thorns.

Key passages

  • “Gad! the passenger fits the ship!”

    The traveler is well matched to the vessel.

    The Fox comments on the Snake's suitability to the thorny raft.

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