All summer long, a grasshopper sang and danced in the sunny fields. Nearby, an ant walked past him again and again, carrying grains of corn to her nest.
"Why not stop and sing with me?" called the grasshopper. "Why work so hard on a day like this?"
"I am storing food for the winter," said the ant, "and you should do the same."
The grasshopper laughed. "Winter is a long way off, and there is plenty of food today."
The ant went on working.
Then the days grew short and the cold winds came. Snow covered the fields, and there was nothing left to eat. The grasshopper, weak with hunger, came to the ant's door and begged for a little corn.
The ants were warm and well fed. They had enough to last until spring.
"You sang all summer," said the ant. "Now you know why I worked."
Work today so you are ready for tomorrow.
Discussion questions
- Why does the Ant keep working?
- Why does the Grasshopper laugh at her?
- Should the Ant share her food? Why or why not?
Questions about this fable
What is the moral of The Ant and the Grasshopper?
The moral is that hard work and preparation for the future are essential. It teaches that focusing only on immediate pleasure can lead to hardship when circumstances change.
Who wrote The Ant and the Grasshopper?
The story is attributed to Aesop, a legendary storyteller of ancient Greece. It is one of his most famous fables used to teach ethics and social values.
Does the Ant help the Grasshopper in the end?
In the original version, the Ant refuses to help, highlighting the harsh consequences of laziness. Some modern versions show the Ant sharing food to include a lesson on compassion.
What does the Grasshopper symbolize?
The Grasshopper symbolizes short-sightedness and the pursuit of leisure over responsibility. He represents individuals who live only for the moment without considering future stability.
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Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
