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 2 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 deception and payback. The Fox deceives the Stork by serving her soup in a shallow dish that only he can eat easily, while the Stork serves the Fox food in a jar that he cannot access easily. This shows how deceitful actions can lead to others seeking revenge in return. Additionally, the passage highlights the importance of treating others as you would like to be treated, as the Fox's initial deception towards the Stork ultimately leads to his own discomfort when dining with her.
This story relates to the universal theme of karma, suggesting that the actions we take towards others will eventually come back to us. It emphasizes the idea of treating others with respect and kindness, as treating others unfairly or deceitfully may lead to consequences in the future. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being honest and considerate in our interactions with others, as the repercussions of our actions can come back to affect us in unexpected ways.