Question

The owl is a very wise bird; and once, long ago, when the first oak sprouted in the forest, she called all the other birds together and said to them, "you see this tiny tree? if you take my advice, you will destroy it now when it is small: for when it grows big, the mistletoe will appear upon it, from which birdlime will be prepared for your destruction." again, when the first flax was sown, she said to them, "go and eat up that seed, for it is the seed of the flax, out of which men will one day make nets to catch you." once more, when she saw the first archer, she warned the birds that he was their deadly enemy, who would wing his arrows with their own feathers and shoot them. but they took no notice of what she said: in fact, they thought she was rather mad, and laughed at her. when, however, everything turned out as she had foretold, they changed their minds and conceived a great respect for her wisdom. hence, whenever she appears, the birds attend upon her in the hope of hearing something that may be for their good. she, however, gives them advice no longer, but sits moping and pondering on the folly of her kind.

what is the resolution of this fable?
a. The birds decide to listen to the owl's advice.
b. The owl continues to warn the birds, but they don't heed his advice.
c. The owl is praised for his wisdom by the other birds.
d. The birds decide to take action against the owl.

Answer 1

The resolution of this fable is: b. The owl continues to warn the birds, but they don't heed his advice.

The resolution of the fable illustrates the irony of wisdom unheeded. Despite the owl's sagacious warnings about the dangers associated with the first oak, flax, and archer, the other birds dismiss her counsel, considering her mad.

As events unfold and the owl's predictions prove accurate, the birds, recognizing their shortsightedness, develop a newfound respect for her wisdom. However, in a poignant twist, the owl, disillusioned by the folly of her kind, withdraws from offering guidance.

The resolution underscores the consequences of disregarding valuable advice and the eventual realization of its truth, leaving the birds remorseful and the owl contemplative in solitude.

Option B is the answer.