Quick Revision Notes

Characters: Mr. Raven (proud and foolish) and Reynard the Fox (cunning and flattering).

The Setting: A limb (branch) of a tree in the woods.

The Plot: The Raven was perched on a branch holding a delicious morsel of food in his beak. Reynard the Fox saw this and wanted the food for himself. Instead of attacking, the Fox used flattery. He praised the Raven’s handsome feathers and told him that if his voice was as beautiful as his looks, he would be the King of the birds.

The Climax: The Raven, overcome by foolish pride and wanting to show off, opened his beak to sing. He forgot that his voice was only a harsh croak. As soon as he opened his mouth, the food fell right to the Fox.

The Moral: The Fox laughed and taught the Raven a lesson: “Ignore sweet words that make you glow.” The poem teaches us to beware of false flattery and that foolish pride can lead to our downfall.