The Lion and the Mouse

A Lion was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up in anger, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying: "If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness." The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came up, and gnawed the rope with his teeth, and setting him free, exclaimed: "You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, not expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favour; but now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to confer benefits on a Lion."

From The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop, translated by George Fyler Townsend (1867). Public domain.

Check your understanding

1. Based on the passage, what is the primary reason the Lion spares the Mouse's life?

He pities the Mouse's small size and weakness.He is amused by the Mouse's unlikely promise of repayment.He fears the hunters who are approaching the area.He respects the Mouse's courage in speaking up.

2. Analyze the thematic significance of the Lion's laughter in the beginning of the passage. How does this reaction establish the central argument of the fable?

3. Evaluate the author's choice to have the Mouse explicitly state the lesson at the end of the passage ('You ridiculed the idea...'). Does this explicit dialogue strengthen or weaken the narrative's impact? Defend your position using evidence from the text.

4. Defend or challenge the following statement: 'The Lion is entirely responsible for his own salvation.' Use textual evidence to support your argument.