The Ant and the Fly

Question

by Phaedrus

An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: “Can you possibly compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the first to taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my time among the altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, I seat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of the chaste kisses of matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to this, good rustic, falls to your lot?” “Eating with the Gods,” said the Ant, “is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is invited, not him who is loathed as an intruder. You talk about kings and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of grain for winter, I see you feeding on filth about the walls. You frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is shrivelling you up and putting you to death, a well-stored abode harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough.”

"The Ant and the Fly" from The Fables of Phaedrus by Phaedrus

Question
Use “The Ant and the Fly” by Phaedrus to answer the question.

What identifies this story as an allegory?

(1 point)
Responses

It explains why ants and flies are so good at annoying humans.
It explains why ants and flies are so good at annoying humans.

It contrasts the points of view of the ant and the fly.
It contrasts the points of view of the ant and the fly.

It uses the ant and the fly to symbolize human traits to convey a message about the value of hard work.
It uses the ant and the fly to symbolize human traits to convey a message about the value of hard work.

It requires the reader to infer the theme from the dialogue between the ant and the fly.
It requires the reader to infer the theme from the dialogue between the ant and the fly.
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Answer 1

The correct response identifying this story as an allegory is:

It uses the ant and the fly to symbolize human traits to convey a message about the value of hard work.

This option highlights how the characters of the ant and the fly represent different human behaviors and values, illustrating the lesson that hard work is ultimately more beneficial than a life of idleness and superficial pleasure.

Answer 2

read the passage then answer the question. recheck it

Answer 3

Sure! Let's analyze the passage from "The Ant and the Fly" by Phaedrus again to ensure a thorough understanding.

In this fable, the Ant and the Fly engage in a debate about their respective lifestyles and values. The Fly boasts about the luxurious life it leads, despite not working, while the Ant emphasizes the importance of hard work and preparation for the future. Through their conversation, Phaedrus contrasts the characteristics of both insects, using them as symbols for particular human traits—pride and indulgence versus diligence and foresight.

Now, considering the options provided for what identifies this story as an allegory:

1. It explains why ants and flies are so good at annoying humans.

   • This does not capture the essence of the allegorical meaning.

2. It contrasts the points of view of the ant and the fly.

   • While this is true, it is not the component that specifically identifies the work as an allegory.

3. It uses the ant and the fly to symbolize human traits to convey a message about the value of hard work.

   • This option correctly identifies the allegorical nature of the fable, as it illustrates moral lessons through the symbolic representation of the characters.

4. It requires the reader to infer the theme from the dialogue between the ant and the fly.

   • This does emphasize a characteristic feature of fables, but alone it does not encapsulate the allegorical aspect.

Thus, upon re-evaluation, the correct response remains:

It uses the ant and the fly to symbolize human traits to convey a message about the value of hard work.

This option effectively highlights the symbolic nature of the story and its moral lesson, which are key elements of allegory.