The passage illustrates the theme of reciprocity and the consequences of unkind behavior. Initially, the Fox deceives the Stork by serving a meal that is suited to his abilities but renders the Stork unable to eat. The Stork's invitation for the Fox to return demonstrates the idea of "an eye for an eye," where she plans to serve a meal that mirrors the Fox's earlier trickery. This cycle of retaliation highlights how actions have consequences; the Fox’s original intent to mock leads to his own embarrassment and hunger when he finds himself unable to partake in the Stork's meal. This theme relates to broader universal themes of justice and the moral principle that one should treat others as they wish to be treated. It underscores the idea that dishonesty and cruelty can rebound on the perpetrator, promoting a lesson in empathy and the importance of considering others’ perspectives.
At one time the Fox and the Stork were on visiting terms and seemed very good friends. So the Fox invited the Stork to dinner, and for a joke he put nothing for her but some soup in a very shallow dish. This the Fox could easily lap up, but the Stork could only wet the end of her long bill in it and left the meal as hungry as when she began. “I am sorry,” said the Fox, “the soup is not to your liking.”
“Pray do not apologize,” said the Stork. “I hope you will return this visit and come and dine with me soon.” So a day was appointed when the Fox should visit the Stork, but when they were seated at a table all that was for their dinner was contained in a very long-necked jar with a narrow mouth, in which the Fox could not insert his snout, so all he could manage to do was lick the outside of the jar.
Write the paragraph identifying and explaining the theme present in this passage and how it relates to any universal themes.
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