The Ant and the Grasshopper

IN a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"

"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same."

"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "we have got plenty of food at present.' But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food, and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

From The Ant and the Grasshopper by Aesop, translated by Joseph Jacobs (1894). Public domain.

Check your understanding

1. What does the phrase "toiling and moiling" mean as used in the passage?

Relaxing in the sunWorking extremely hardSinging a joyful songGathering friends together

2. Why does the Ant refuse to stop and chat with the Grasshopper?

The Ant does not like the Grasshopper's singing.The Ant is busy preparing food for the winter.The Ant wants to find a better ear of corn.The Ant is afraid of the cold weather.

3. How does the Grasshopper's attitude change from the summer to the winter? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

4. The author describes the Ant as "bearing along with great toil an ear of corn." How does this word choice help you understand the Ant's character compared to the Grasshopper?

5. Based on the passage, what can you infer about the ants' community? Provide evidence from the text to support your idea.