The Dog in the Manger

A DOG looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw. But soon the Ox, returning from its afternoon work, came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the straw. The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away muttering: "Ah, people often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves."

From The Dog in the Manger by Aesop, translated by Joseph Jacobs (1894). Public domain.

Check your understanding

1. What does the Ox's final statement reveal about the nature of the Dog's behavior?

The Dog is fiercely protective of its own food supply.The Dog is acting out of spite by guarding something useless to it.The Dog is trying to teach the Ox a lesson about boundaries.The Dog is completely unaware that the straw is meant for the Ox.

2. Analyze how the author's use of the words 'cosily' and 'rage' establishes a contrast that drives the fable's conflict.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of having the Ox deliver the moral of the story rather than an omniscient narrator. Use evidence from the text to support your claim.

4. Defend or challenge the following statement using evidence from the text: 'The Dog's reaction to the Ox is entirely unprovoked.'