Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Peasant and the Apple-Tree explained
A peasant decides to cut down his barren apple tree, but sparrows and grasshoppers beg him to spare it for their shelter and song.
What happens
A peasant decides to cut down his barren apple tree, but sparrows and grasshoppers beg him to spare it for their shelter and song. He ignores them and begins chopping, only to discover the tree is hollow and filled with bees and honey. Delighted, he spares the tree, revealing that utility is the true measure of worth.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Perseverance and Effort
The peasant's effort in cutting the tree leads to an unexpected reward, showing that persistence can uncover hidden value.
- Appearance vs. Reality
The tree appears barren and useless, but its true worth is revealed only after it is nearly destroyed.
Characters to notice
- The Peasant
The peasant owns the apple tree and initially plans to cut it down due to its lack of fruit, but changes his mind upon discovering honey inside.
Key passages
“Utility is most men’s test of worth.”
People judge the value of something based on how useful it is to them.
The moral of the fable, emphasizing pragmatic evaluation.
