Write: In the story The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the older brother has different values than the younger brother; these values drive the brothers’ actions and lead to different outcomes. Write an essay analyzing how the two brothers' actions develop a theme in the story. Use evidence from the folk tale to support your response (your thinking).
In the traditional folk tale, "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the story revolves around two brothers who possess different values that ultimately drive their actions and result in contrasting outcomes. The older brother values wealth and material possessions, while the younger brother values friendship and loyalty. These differing values lead to a theme in the story that highlights the importance of familial bonds, humility, and the consequences of greed.
The older brother, who is portrayed as selfish and greedy, is willing to sacrifice his younger brother's well-being in order to obtain wealth. When the brothers are given a pumpkin seed by a kind old man, the older brother tricks the younger brother into planting the seed and nurturing the pumpkin that grows from it. The older brother is solely focused on reaping the rewards of the pumpkin and refuses to share with his sibling, despite the younger brother having done all the work to care for the plant. This selfishness and lack of consideration for others ultimately lead to the older brother's downfall.
On the other hand, the younger brother values compassion and selflessness. Despite being mistreated by his older brother, he continues to demonstrate kindness and generosity. When the pumpkin ripens and contains a room full of gold and silver, the kind old man informs the brothers that they must each perform a charitable act in order to receive their share of the riches. The younger brother selflessly helps a farmer in need and is rewarded with more wealth than he could have ever imagined. His actions reflect the theme of the story that emphasizes the importance of humility, kindness, and the rewards of selflessness.
Ultimately, the contrasting values of the two brothers drive the plot of the story and lead to different outcomes. The older brother's greed and selfishness result in his defeat and loss, while the younger brother's kindness and compassion lead to his prosperity and fulfillment. The folk tale "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" serves as a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of familial bonds, integrity, and the consequences of prioritizing material possessions over relationships and virtues.
In conclusion, the actions of the brothers in "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" develop a theme that emphasizes the significance of values such as compassion, humility, and selflessness. The contrasting behaviors of the two brothers serve as a moral lesson that illustrates the rewards of virtuous actions and the repercussions of greed and selfishness. Through the characters' choices and outcomes, the folk tale highlights the timeless message that true wealth and fulfillment come from qualities of the heart rather than material possessions.