Aesop
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Greece

The Fox and The Monkey

The animals chose the Monkey as their leader for his funny tricks, but the Fox trapped him, proving his unsuitability.
Leadership
Wisdom
Greed
Aesop's Fables - The Fox and The Monkey
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a bustling forest, all the animals decided it was time for a new leader. The Monkey, known for his funny tricks, put on an amusing show. His dance was full of hilarious leaps and faces, making all the animals laugh with joy. So, they chose him as their leader right away.

However, the Fox wasn't happy with this choice. He didn't think the Monkey was fit to rule. So, he decided to teach everyone a lesson.

One day, the Fox came across a trap with a piece of meat inside. He ran to the Monkey King and said, "Oh, great leader, I found a valuable treasure that belongs to you!" The Monkey, who loved food, followed the Fox eagerly.

When they reached the trap, the Monkey saw the meat and reached out to grab it. But as soon as he did, he was stuck! The Fox stepped back and laughed at the sight. "You call yourself our leader, but you can't even take care of yourself!" he said.

Not long after, the animals held another election. The Monkey, still stuck in the trap, could only watch as a new leader was chosen.

Once upon a groovy time, in a forest that was bustling so much it could've had its own Starbucks, all the animals figured it was high time for some leadership reshuffling. The Monkey, famous for his stand-up comedy routine and slapstick gags, put on a Broadway-worthy performance. He moonwalked, twerked, and even did that funky thing with his eyebrows. The animals were in stitches, rolling on the floor with laughter. They were like, "Yep, that's our guy! He's got the moves!"

But the Fox? Oh, he was not impressed. He was giving some serious side-eye, muttering, "Anyone can dance. Does that mean they can lead?" Sipping his imaginary tea, he cooked up a cheeky plan.

One sunny day, the Fox, with a mischievous glint in his eye, discovered a trap containing what looked like a 5-star steak. Rushing over to the Monkey King, he gasped, "Hey, Mr. Funky Moves, I've found a magical treasure, and I think it's calling your name!"

The Monkey, never one to pass up a food opportunity - especially if it was gluten-free - was like, "Treasure? For me? Lead the way!"

Arriving at the trap, the Monkey's eyes lit up at the sight of the meat. Thinking it was some sort of special treat, he lunged for it. But - OOPS! - he was snagged in the trap. The Fox, trying not to snicker too loudly, quipped, "Leader, huh? More like lead-footed! How can you lead if you can't resist a tasty snack?"

Feeling a mix of amusement and concern, the forest creatures soon held another 'Who's Got Talent' show to elect a new leader. And our trapped Monkey King? He watched with big, round eyes, probably wishing he'd been a bit more careful with his snack choices.

Amidst trees tall and wide, where forest creatures reside,
A meeting was held, a leader they wanted to decide.
The Monkey, with leaps and spins, had them all in splits and grins,
So he was crowned, with applauds and gleaming eyes that shine.

But Fox, with a sly grin and tail so sleek,
Thought the choice of Monkey was terribly weak.
"A lesson I’ll teach," he thought, a plan in his heart did peek,
And off to the forest’s depths, his cunning plot he began to seek.

Soon, he found a trap, meat inside, a tempting treat,
To the Monkey he went, with tales of a 'treasure' so neat.
"Oh mighty Monkey, a gift for you, so savory and sweet!"
The Monkey, his appetite awake, followed with eager feet.

Reaching the trap, Monkey's hands reached out in haste,
But alas, he was caught, his freedom replaced.
Fox chuckled and taunted, “Such a hasty choice, such a waste!”
While Monkey regretted, his steps retraced.

The animals convened once more, under the vast sky's dome,
And with a somber Monkey watching, they chose a new throne.

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Understanding Questions

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the other animals chose the Monkey as their leader in the beginning?
  2. Why did the Fox believe that the Monkey was not fit to be the leader?
  3. What kind of 'lesson' was the Fox trying to teach by leading the Monkey to the trap?
  4. How do you think the Monkey felt when he realized he was stuck in the trap and was no longer the leader?
  5. This story teaches us about the qualities of a good leader. What do you think are important qualities for a leader to have?

Fable Quotes

Leadership isn't about being the funniest, but the most reliable.
Wisdom is the key to leadership, not simply entertainment.
Greed blinds even the wisest of leaders, leaving them trapped in their desires.
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