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 put nothing before 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 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 to lick the outside of the jar.

Write a paragraph identifying and explaining the theme present in this passage and how it relates to any universal themes.

The theme present in this passage is the idea of reciprocity and treating others as you would like to be treated. The Fox played a cruel joke on the Stork by serving her food in a way that she couldn't eat it, leading to her feeling embarrassed and humiliated. In retaliation, the Stork serves food to the Fox in a way that he cannot easily eat it, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. This story reflects the universal theme of the Golden Rule, which is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. It serves as a reminder to always consider the feelings and well-being of others in our actions and interactions.

can you make this shorter

The theme present in this passage is reciprocity and treating others as you would like to be treated. The story emphasizes the importance of being kind and respectful towards others. The Golden Rule, to treat others as you would like to be treated, is a universal theme showcased in this fable. It serves as a reminder to always consider the feelings and well-being of others in our actions and interactions.