The Oak and the Reeds

A very large Oak was uprooted by the wind, and thrown across a stream. It fell among some Reeds, which it thus addressed: "I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds." They replied, "You fight and contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while we on the contrary bend before the least breath of air, and therefore remain unbroken, and escape."

Stoop to conquer.

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

Check your understanding

1. Based on the passage, what does the word "contend" most likely mean?

To agree withTo struggle againstTo hide fromTo communicate with

2. Why is the Oak surprised when it speaks to the Reeds?

The Reeds are much taller than the Oak.The Reeds survived the strong winds despite being light and weak.The Reeds are blocking the stream where the Oak fell.The Reeds were uprooted by the wind just like the Oak.

3. How do the Oak and the Reeds react differently to the wind, and what is the result for each?

4. Why does the author describe the wind as the "least breath of air" when the Reeds are speaking?

5. Explain what the moral "Stoop to conquer" means using evidence from the fable.