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 in 3-4 identifying and explaining the theme present in this passage and how it relates to any universal themes. (4 points)
1. Deception and Trickery: The main theme present in this passage is deception and trickery. The Fox invites the Stork to dinner but serves her soup in a shallow dish that only he can easily consume. In retaliation, the Stork serves the Fox his meal in a jar with a narrow mouth that he cannot access easily. This shows how the Fox and the Stork try to outwit each other through deceitful actions.
2. Revenge: Another theme present in this passage is revenge. The Stork seeks revenge on the Fox for tricking her by serving him a meal that he cannot eat easily. This highlights how actions have consequences and how individuals may seek retaliatory measures when they feel they have been wronged.
3. Justice and Fairness: The passage also touches on the themes of justice and fairness. The Fox's initial trickery in serving the Stork soup in a shallow dish may be seen as unfair, and the Stork's retaliation in serving the Fox in a similar manner may be viewed as a form of justice. This highlights the importance of treating others fairly and the consequences of deceitful actions.
Overall, the theme of deception and trickery in this passage relates to universal themes of justice, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the importance of treating others with respect and fairness.