The City Mouse and the Country Mouse – Aesop’s Fables

Aesop’s fables have been cherished for centuries, imparting timeless wisdom through their engaging narratives. Among these captivating tales, “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” stands out as a thought-provoking story that teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of perspective and contentment. In this article, we will explore the narrative of the story and delve into the underlying wisdom that continues to resonate with us today. It is a very very famous and old children’s story which talks about how a country mouse visits the city and learns about what makes him happy. 

If you want to read another thought provoking tale from the Aesop Fables, you can read The frog and the Ox or Belling the cat.

The short story

There was once a very happy Country Mouse who lived in the country side. He lived in a tiny house in a hole under a tree. His bed was made of straw and cotton. His table was a small box and his chairs were small round pebbles.

Once during the summer, his friend from the big city visited him. The country mouse was very happy and served him fresh seeds from the trees, wheat stalks and juicy roots. He also gave him a thimble of cold water and an acorn for dessert.

The city mouse was not very happy and nibbled here and there just to be polite. In the evening, the city mouse and the country mouse were chatting sitting in the open field.

The town mouse spoke about all about the city and all its luxuries.

“What do you get to eat in the town, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best of everything”, he said proudly, “the finest of cheese and bread, the sweetest of pudding, the crunchiest of nuts and even the most tender meat”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the tastiest of food”

“Where do you sleep in the city, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best”, he said proudly, “the softest of bed made of silk and sponge. One can sleep forever in such a bed”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the softest of beds.”

“What do you do when you are bored, Mr City Mouse” asked the country mouse.

“Oh but the best”, he said proudly, “I can go to the markets. I can go the theatre. I can relax in the garden”

“Oh wow. That is so delightful.”

“Yes indeed. A city mouse is the happiest mouse since we get the best entertainment”

They spoke and spoke and finally went to sleep. The city mouse saw the straw bed and was very unhappy. Thankfully it was quiet and he was able to sleep well. The next morning, the city mouse asked the country mouse.

“Dear Country Mouse, would you like to visit the city?” and the country mouse was very happy and agreed.

The City Mouse took the country mouse to his home. It was just as he described, a hole in the wall of a huge mansion. The house was huge and filled with velvet and silk. The country mouse was very happy.

They went up the table and the table was filled with cheese and butter and fruits and jellies and nuts. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, they heard a loud mew of a cat. They ran and hid in the wall in fear until the cat went away.

They went up the table again to eat. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, they heard a loud bark of a dog. They ran and hid in the wall in fear until the dog went away.

They went up the table once more to eat. When the country mouse was just about to eat a bite, the door opened and many people came in. They ran once more and hid in the wall in fear.

“Come, we can eat outside in the market” said the City Mouse and they went to the market. There were so many people there. The country mouse was almost stepped on so many times. They ran back to their home and ate some old bread.

The country mouse packed his bags and said, “You can have all the luxuries and the tastiest of food. You may have the best of markets and the softest of beds. I only want the safety of my home where I can walk out and feel like a king.”

The moral of the story:

The moral of the story is: Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty.

“The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” imparts a profound moral lesson that holds relevance in our modern lives. The story teaches us the importance of perspective and contentment, reminding us to appreciate what we have rather than constantly longing for what others possess.

Both mice in the fable experience contrasting lifestyles and come to understand the merits and drawbacks of each. It highlights the danger of chasing materialistic desires without considering the trade-offs, and it emphasizes the value of finding contentment in our own circumstances.

Questions and Answers on city mouse and the country mouse story

Questions

1. Which mouse lives in the country side?
2. Which mouse lives in the city?
3. Which mouse is boasting a lot?
4. Who is the happiest mouse?
5. What is the moral of the story?

Answers

1. The country mouse lives in the country side.
2. The city mouse lives in the city.
3. The city mouse is boasting a lot.
4. The country mouse is the happiest mouse.
5. The moral of the story is that one should be secure in order to be happy.

Summary of the story:

“The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” tells the tale of two mice who live in contrasting environments. The city mouse invites his country cousin to experience the wonders of urban life, boasting about the abundant food and luxuries they enjoy.

Excited by the prospect, the country mouse eagerly visits the city. However, the grandeur and opulence quickly give way to danger and chaos as the city mouse’s home is invaded by a pack of dogs. Terrified, the country mouse decides to return to his simple life in the countryside, appreciating the safety and peace it offers.

Analysis of the story:

• Gratitude and Contentment: The story encourages us to practice gratitude and find contentment in our current situation. By appreciating the simple joys and blessings of our lives, we can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

• Embracing Different Perspectives: The fable reminds us to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences. Rather than judging or envying others’ lives, we should seek to understand and appreciate the unique qualities and advantages of different environments.

• Balancing Ambition and Contentment: The story prompts us to strike a balance between ambition and contentment. While it is essential to strive for personal growth and improvement, we should not let our aspirations blind us to the joys and contentment available in the present moment.