Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Pomegranate, the Apple-Tree, and the Bramble explained
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argue over which bears the better fruit, each boasting of its own quality.
What happens
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argue over which bears the better fruit, each boasting of its own quality. Their quarrel escalates until a Bramble interrupts from a nearby hedge, presumptuously telling them to stop. The fable illustrates the folly of pride and the absurdity of an inferior party meddling in a dispute between superiors.
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
- Pride and Folly
Both the Pomegranate and the Apple-tree display pride in their fruits, leading to a foolish quarrel.
- Social Hierarchy and Power
The Bramble, a lowly plant, oversteps its place by presuming to mediate between two superior trees, highlighting social order and presumption.
Characters to notice
- The Bramble
Impertinently interrupts the quarrel between the Pomegranate and the Apple-tree, asserting itself despite its lowly status.
Key passages
“A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree were disputing about the quality of their fruits, and each claimed that its own was the better of the two.”
A Pomegranate and an Apple-tree argued over which fruit was superior, each insisting its own was best.
Sets up the central conflict of pride and rivalry.
“High words passed between them, and a violent quarrel was imminent, when a Bramble impudently poked its head out of a neighbouring hedge and said, “There, that’s enough, my friends; don’t let us quarrel.””
Their argument grew heated and nearly became a fight, but then a Bramble rudely stuck its head from a nearby hedge and told them to stop quarreling.
Highlights the Bramble's presumptuous interference in a dispute above its station.
