The Wolf, the Mother and Her Child by Aesop for ESL students with a video, list of vocabulary in real context, relevant proverbs, discussion questions, and moral of the short story obtained from Gutenberg Project
Video of the Wolf, the Mother and Her Child
The Wolf, the Mother and Her Child
A hungry wolf was prowling about in search of food. By and by, attracted by the cries of a child, he came to a cottage. As he crouched beneath the window, he heard the mother say to the child, “Stop crying, do! or I’ll throw you to the wolf.”
Thinking she really meant what she said, the credulous wolf waited there a long time in the expectation of satisfying his hunger. In the evening, he heard the mother fondling her child and saying, “If the naughty wolf comes, he shan’t get my little one: Daddy will kill him.”
The wolf got up in much disgust and walked away: “As for the people in that house,” said he to himself, “you can’t believe a word they say.”
The Proverbs from the Short Story
“All that glitters is not gold.”
This proverb serves as a stark reminder that outward appearances can be profoundly misleading. It warns against judging value or authenticity based solely on superficial allure. A seemingly brilliant opportunity, a charming individual, or a luxurious object may conceal hidden flaws or deceptive intentions, ultimately proving to be far less valuable or genuine than initially perceived.
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
This proverb cautions against premature optimism and reliance on outcomes that are not yet assured. It emphasizes the importance of prudence and realistic expectations, urging individuals to avoid making plans or decisions based on speculative or uncertain future events. By maintaining a sense of caution and preparedness, one can mitigate the disappointment and potential consequences of unforeseen setbacks.
“Actions speak louder than words.”
This proverb underscores the paramount importance of deeds over mere pronouncements. It asserts that true character and intentions are revealed not by what individuals say, but by what they actually do. While words can be easily manipulated or misrepresented, actions provide a tangible and reliable measure of an individual’s integrity, commitment, and genuine nature.
English Vocabulary in Real Context
- Prowl: to move around quietly in search of prey
- By and by: after a short period
- Cottage: a small house in the countryside
- Crouch: to kneel down and lower yourself so that you could not be seen by others
- Credulous: too willing to believe what you are told, easily deceived, naive
- Fondle: to touch gently in a loving way
- Naughty: mischievous, bad-natured
- Shan’t: shall not
- Disgust: strong feelings of disapproval and dislike
Moral of the Short Story
The moral of this fable is that words without actions are meaningless, and those who frequently make empty threats or promises lose their credibility. It warns against placing trust in idle chatter and highlights the importance of consistency between speech and behavior. A reputation for dishonesty will ultimately leave you disregarded, just as the wolf was, regardless of the initial fear your words might inspire.
Discussion Questions
- Why did the wolf initially believe the mother’s threat, and what caused him to change his mind?
- What does the mother’s contradictory behavior reveal about the dangers of using empty threats?
- How does the wolf’s final thought, “you can’t believe a word they say,” reflect the central message of the fable?
