The Wind and the Sun

THE Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

Kindness effects more than Severity.

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

Check your understanding

1. What is the main conflict at the beginning of the story?

The Wind and the Sun are fighting over who gets to control the weather.The Wind and the Sun are arguing about who is stronger.The Wind and the Sun want to help a traveler on the road.The Wind and the Sun are trying to steal a traveler's cloak.

2. What does the word 'disputing' mean as it is used in the first sentence?

AgreeingArguingPlayingWondering

3. How does the traveler's reaction to the Wind compare to his reaction to the Sun? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

4. The author ends the story with the statement, 'Kindness effects more than Severity.' Based on the story, which character represents 'Kindness' and which represents 'Severity'? Explain your reasoning.

5. Why did the Wind 'give up in despair'? What does this phrase tell us about how the Wind felt about his attempt?