Question

In the story The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the younger brother helps an injured swallow, while the other brother doesn't care about the bird.In the story Don't Count your Chickens, the younger brother takes care of things while the other brothers dream of spending money.
In a paragraph 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 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

Answer 1

In both "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" and "Don't Count Your Chickens," the younger brothers embody qualities of empathy and responsibility, illustrating the value of nurturing and practicality over selfishness and daydreaming. In "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the younger brother’s act of helping the injured swallow shows compassion and a willingness to assist others in need, contrasting sharply with the indifference of his older brother. This is reinforced by the tender language used in describing the swallow's injury and the care the younger brother provides, evoking a sense of warmth and moral duty. Similarly, in "Don't Count Your Chickens," the younger brother’s diligence in taking care of their resources underlines a strong work ethic, while his siblings waste time fantasizing about what they might gain without effort. The author's choice of language highlights the consequences of neglect and daydreaming, as the older brothers' fantasies ultimately lead to disappointment. Both stories promote the idea that nurturing relationships and taking responsible actions are far more rewarding than neglect and recklessness. Ultimately, these narratives convey that empathy and responsibility are essential qualities that lead to personal and communal well-being.