The Eagle and His Captor by Aesop for ESL students with a video, list of vocabulary, discussion questions and Persian version based on the English Immersion Program
The Eagle and His Captor is now in the public domain available on Gutenberg Project.
Video of the Eagle and His Captor
The Eagle and His Captor
A man once caught an eagle, and after clipping his wings turned him loose among the fowls in his hen-house, where he moped in a corner, looking very dejected and forlorn.
After a while, his captor was glad enough to sell him to a neighbor, who took him home and let his wings grow again. As soon as he had recovered the use of them, the eagle flew out and caught a hare, which he brought home and presented to his benefactor.
A fox observed this, and said to the eagle, “Don’t waste your gifts on him! Go and give them to the man who first caught you; make him your friend, and then perhaps he won’t catch you and clip your wings a second time.”
English proverbs from the short story
Here are a few English proverbs that are thematically relevant to “The Eagle and His Captor”:
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of loyalty and support, especially during difficult times. Like the eagle’s neighbor, a true friend will help even when things are tough.
Forgive and forget.
This proverb suggests that it is important to let go of grudges and move on from past mistakes. The eagle’s gratitude towards his neighbor demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the ability to overcome adversity.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
This proverb warns against being ungrateful or disrespectful to those who provide for you. The eagle’s actions in repaying his neighbor’s kindness reflect the importance of showing appreciation for the help we receive.
Vocabulary in real context
- clip: cut short, shorten, trim, curtail
- loose: unchained, free
- fowls: birds like chickens kept for meat, eggs, etc.
- mope: to feel miserable and depressed
- dejected: extremely sad, doleful
- forlorn: sad, miserable, dejected, desolate
- captor: hunter, kidnaper
- hare: an animal like a rabbit with large hind legs
- present: to give, donate, hand out
- benefactor: supporter, patron, backer
Moral of the short story
The moral of “The Eagle and His Captor” is a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, forgiveness, and the enduring power of hope. The eagle, despite being initially harmed by his captor, eventually finds the strength to overcome his adversity and repay kindness with kindness. This story teaches us that even in the face of hardship, it is possible to find redemption and build positive relationships. It also emphasizes the value of recognizing and appreciating those who have helped us, even if their intentions were not always pure.
Discussion questions
- How does the eagle’s gratitude towards his neighbor demonstrate the importance of recognizing and appreciating those who have helped us, even if they have initially caused us harm?
- What does the eagle’s desire to regain his wings and fly free symbolize? How does this relate to our own aspirations for freedom and independence?
- How does the fox’s advice to the eagle reflect the importance of seeking guidance and mentorship from those with experience and wisdom? What can we learn from the fox’s suggestion about building relationships and preventing future harm?
