In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed and Don't Count Your Chickens, the main characters are the younger brothers from each story. In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the main character is a young boy named Peter, who befriends a talking swallow and embarks on a journey to save his sick mother. In Don't Count Your Chickens, the main character is another young boy named Jack, who sets out to protect his family farm from a cunning fox. Both stories teach readers important life lessons and values through the actions and experiences of the younger brothers.
In both stories, the younger brothers exhibit qualities and values that differ from their older brothers. Peter and Jack are determined, resourceful, and brave, while their older brothers are portrayed as lazy and unhelpful. In The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, Peter goes above and beyond to find a cure for his mother's illness, even if it means facing dangerous challenges. He refuses to give up and shows immense courage throughout his journey. Similarly, in Don't Count Your Chickens, Jack takes it upon himself to protect the family farm from the fox, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination. On the other hand, their older brothers are indifferent and show little concern for their families.
The authors of both stories want readers to understand the importance of perseverance, bravery, and selflessness. Through the younger brothers' actions, readers learn that it is crucial to never give up, even in the face of adversity. Additionally, the authors emphasize the significance of looking out for others and sacrificing personal wants for the greater good. Both stories highlight the consequences of laziness and selfishness, as seen through the older brothers' lack of initiative and care for their families. The authors use plot events and the language and literary devices to convey their messages. The plot events in both stories present challenges that the younger brothers must overcome, illustrating the importance of determination and bravery. The authors also use vivid descriptions and emotional language to immerse readers in the characters' experiences, making the life lessons and values they depict all the more impactful. Ultimately, the younger brothers in these stories teach readers the value of perseverance, bravery, and selflessness in the face of adversity.