Summary of “Fable” | Bliss Class 10

About the author

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet. His famous poems include ‘Concord Hymn’ and ‘Brahma’. The poem describes a conversation between the squirrel and the mountain. The squirrel points out that in this world every being, living or non-living, big or small, has their individual reasons for existence.

(50 Words)

Introduction of the Poem Fable

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “The Mountain and the Squirrel” is a fable in the form of a conversation between a mountain and a squirrel who have a quarrel. The poem explores the idea that all beings, big or small, have their own unique purpose and talents that contribute to the larger picture of existence.

(50 Words)

Explanation of the Poem Fable

Lines 1-3

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel:
And the former called the latter ‘Little Prig.’

Explanation:

The poem starts with a fight between a big mountain and a small squirrel. The mountain is very big, and the squirrel is very small. They argue with each other. The mountain calls the squirrel “Little Prig,” which means someone who thinks they are always right and acts better than others. The mountain is proud because it is big and strong, and it looks down on the small squirrel. This shows that the mountain thinks it is more important than the squirrel.

Lines 4-9

Bun replied,
“You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together,
To make up a year
And a sphere.

Explanation:

The squirrel, whose name is Bun, replies to the mountain. The squirrel agrees that the mountain is very big, but he also explains that everything in the world is important. A year has all types of weather—hot, cold, rain, and sun. Similarly, the world (sphere) is made of both big and small things. If only big things existed, the world would not be balanced. Small things, like the squirrel, also have their own value and role in nature. The squirrel is trying to teach the mountain that size is not everything.

Lines 10-14

And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.

Explanation:

The squirrel tells the mountain that he is not ashamed of being small. He knows he has an important place in the world, just like the mountain. The squirrel also points out that while he is small, the mountain is not small like him. He also tells the mountain that it is not as quick and active as he is. The word “spry” means fast and full of energy. The squirrel is saying that even though he is small, he can move fast, jump, and play, while the mountain cannot do any of these things.

Lines 15-19

I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut!”

Explanation:

The squirrel admits that the mountain is very useful. It provides paths for squirrels and other animals to run on. But he also reminds the mountain that everyone has different talents. Everything in the world has a purpose. The mountain can carry big forests, but it cannot do what the squirrel can. For example, the mountain cannot crack a nut and eat it. This means that both big and small things are important in their own way. The poem teaches that everyone has different abilities, and we should respect all sizes and talents in the world.

Summary of the Poem Fable

The poem “The Mountain and the Squirrel” is a story about a quarrel (small argument) between a mountain and a squirrel. The mountain insult the squirrel by calling it a “Little Prig” because it is small. The squirrel responds by saying that while the mountain is big, the squirrel is not that small and is much quicker. The squirrel also mentions that it cannot carry forests on its back, but the mountain cannot crack a nut.

The poem teaches us to appreciate our own strengths and not to look down on others. It shows that both the mountain and the squirrel are important in their own ways, even though they are different. The poem also highlights that everything in the world has its place, and all things together make the world complete.

(150 Words)

Characters of the Poem Fable

• The Mountain: The mountain is large and proud, believing that its size makes it more important than the squirrel. It looks down on the squirrel, calling it “Little Prig” because of its small size. The mountain represents those who judge others based on appearances or size, without recognizing their unique abilities.
• The Squirrel (Bun): The squirrel, named Bun, is small but quick and clever. Despite being insulted by the mountain, Bun confidently defends its own worth. It points out that while it cannot carry forests like the mountain, it can crack a nut. The squirrel represents the idea that everyone has unique talents, regardless of size.

The theme of the Poem Fable

The theme of the poem is that every individual has a unique purpose and place in the world and that no one should be judged based on their size or physical capabilities. Talents differ and should be appreciated equally. The poem teaches the importance of mutual respect and understanding between different beings.

(50 Words)