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."

Question

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

Answer 1

The theme present in this passage is the concept of reciprocity and treating others as you would like to be treated. The Fox plays a trick on the Stork by serving her soup in a dish that she cannot eat from, and in return, the Stork serves the Fox in a similar way. This story highlights the importance of considering the feelings and needs of others, and treating them with respect and kindness. This theme relates to the universal theme of the golden rule, which is to treat others as you would like to be treated. It reinforces the idea of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect in relationships.