Alice Elizabeth Dracott

A Monkey Objects To Criticism

Summary

The story depicts a contrast between the lifestyles and adaptability of a monkey and a bird during adverse weather conditions. The monkey, despite its human-like extremities, is unprepared and cold as it sits in a tree during a rainstorm, while a bird comfortably rests in its nest on the same tree. The bird observes the monkey's predicament and questions how a creature with such capabilities can be uncomfortable, prompting the monkey to react defensively. In retaliation to the bird's implied criticism, the monkey destroys the bird's nest, leaving it and its young exposed to the elements. This narrative emphasizes themes of vulnerability, jealousy, and the destructive nature of pride, illustrating how defensiveness can lead to harm rather than self-improvement.

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A monkey once sat on a tree, shivering with cold, as rain was falling, and a little bird sat in its nest on the same tree; and, as it sat, it looked at the monkey and wondered why a creature with hands and feet like a man should shiver in the cold, while a small bird rested in comfort.

At last it expressed its thought to the monkey, who replied: “I have not strength to build myself a house, but I have strength to destroy yours,” and with that he pulled to pieces the poor little bird’s nest, and turned it out with its young.

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