The purpose of the fable "The Oak and the Reed" is to illustrate the dangers of having too much pride. The oak tree's pride and stubbornness lead to its downfall, while the reed's humility and flexibility allow it to survive the storm.
The Oak and the Reed
by Aesop
On the bank of a river grew a tall Oak Tree. It stood with its roots firm in the ground, and its head high in the air, and said to itself: “How strong I am! Nothing shall make me bow. I look down upon all the other trees.”
But one day there was a storm. The terrible unseen wind came and struck the proud Oak. Crash! went the trunk, down came all the beautiful branches, and the Tree fell into the river. As the water carried it away, it passed a Reed that grew on the bank. The little Reed stood up tall and slender, and looked at the poor broken Tree.
“O Reed,” said the Tree, “how did it happen that you were not broken down and spoiled when the wind came? You are so little and weak, and I was so strong and proud.”
“Ah, poor Tree!” said the Reed, “that is just the reason that the wind did not hurt me. I bent low until it had gone by, but you stood stiff and tried to stop it on its way. No one can stop the wind. It must go where it is sent, but it will not hurt those who are not proud and stubborn.”
"The Oak and the Reed" from Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
What is the purpose of this fable?
(1 point)
Responses
to explain why oak trees are so tall
to explain why oak trees are so tall
to teach people to be more like oak trees and less like reeds
to teach people to be more like oak trees and less like reeds
to convey the cruelty of nature
to convey the cruelty of nature
to illustrate the dangers of having too much pride
to illustrate the dangers of having too much pride
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1 answer