Question

In th stories "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed " and "Don't Count Your Chickens " write a paragraph and explain what you think the authors want readers to learn from the younger brothers in the stories. Tell how the plot events and the authors use of language and literary devices to support your ideas. End your paragraph with a sentence that restates the lesson or values that the characters in the stories convey to readers. Use details from the stories to support your ideas in the essay.

Answer 1

In both "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" and "Don't Count Your Chickens," the younger brothers embody the themes of humility and the dangers of overconfidence. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the younger brother is initially perceived as foolish for believing he can outsmart the swallow, yet the story teaches him a vital lesson in respecting nature's intelligence and the limits of his own abilities. The author uses vivid imagery and dialogue to illustrate the brother's escalating hubris, culminating in his eventual downfall when he underestimates the swallow's capabilities. Similarly, in "Don't Count Your Chickens," the younger brother dreams of his future success and wealth from selling his eggs, only to have his daydreams shattered. The language used emphasizes his naïveté and reinforces the message that planning for the future requires caution and grounded expectations. The narrative structure in both stories foreshadows the brothers' failures, ensuring that readers recognize the consequences of misplaced confidence. Ultimately, the authors convey that one should remain humble and pragmatic, as the younger brothers learn through their experiences: overestimating one's abilities can lead to disappointment and missed opportunities.