An Inadequate Fee
Story Summary
In "An Inadequate Fee," a trapped Ox enlists the help of a Political Pull, who rescues him from the mire but is left with only the Ox's skin as a reward. Discontent with this meager fee, the Political Pull vows to return for more, highlighting the lessons learned from stories about greed and the costs of assistance. This short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the value of help received, even in challenging situations.
The Ox and the Political Pull
An ox, unable to extricate himself from the mire into which he had sunk, was advised to seek the assistance of a Political Pull. When the Political Pull arrived, the ox said, "My good friend, please make fast to me, and let nature take her course."
The Political Pull secured a rope to the ox's head, and nature took its course. The ox was first drawn from the mire and then, unfortunately, from his skin. As the Political Pull looked back upon the good, fat carcass of beef he was dragging to his lair, he expressed his discontent, saying, "That is hardly my customary fee. I'll take home this first installment, then return and bring an action for salvage against the skin."
Thus, the tale illustrates the unpredictable outcomes of relying on external assistance and the unexpected burdens that may follow.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that those who exploit others for personal gain may find their rewards insufficient and face discontent with the outcomes of their actions.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes from Aesop’s fables, which often convey moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals and situations that highlight human folly and vice. The narrative echoes the fable tradition's exploration of political and social dynamics, illustrating the potential exploitation inherent in relationships of power and the consequences of reliance on others. Similar retellings can be found in various cultures, where the interplay between dependency and manipulation is a recurring motif, emphasizing the moral complexities of human nature.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of relying on influential connections at the expense of one's own well-being, a theme that resonates in modern life where networking and favoritism can sometimes lead to exploitation. For instance, a young professional might seek the help of a powerful mentor to secure a job, only to later find themselves overworked and underappreciated, realizing that the mentor's support came with strings attached that ultimately benefit the mentor more than the mentee.
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Other names for this story
A Political Pull's Fee, The Cost of Rescue, A Deal with the Devil, The Price of Help, Nature's Invoice, The Ox's Dilemma, Fat and Fees, A Tangled Rescue
Did You Know?
This fable cleverly critiques the exploitation inherent in political systems, illustrating how those in power often seek to benefit from the struggles of others while leaving the original victim with little to show for their plight. The Ox's reliance on the "Political Pull" serves as a metaphor for how individuals may become pawns in larger schemes, ultimately leading to their own detriment.
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