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Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket - English Class 8

Aesop is a legendary figure the supposed author of a collection of Greek fables, including those produced by Demetrius Phalareus in the 4th century. The legendary figure Aesop is presumed to have been born around 600 B.C. and is the supposed author of a collection of Greek fables. Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket | English Class 8

About the Poet

Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket | English Class 8


Summary of Poem- The Ant and the Cricket

  • This poem is a work by the famous Greek poet, Aesop.
  • The two main characters of the poem are a cricket and an ant. There was a young cricket who used to sing and dance during the summers and springs. He was happy and enjoying himself, but was silly. 
  • During the summer and spring, there is greenery everywhere. So, ample food and water are available. One does not need to store any of these. Thus, the crickets were busy enjoying themselves and did not store any food for the winter. 
  • In winters, the ground is covered with snow and no flower or leaf could be seen. The cricket passed the time singing and dancing and soon the winter season came. Now, he was in trouble as there was not even a crumb in his house to eat and due to winter, he could not find any food outside also. 

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  • He could thus eat nothing and was starving. He somehow gathered his courage and went to the ant asking for help. Due to the starvation, chilling cold and rains, the cricket got wet and was shivering.
  • He requested the ant to give him some food and shelter in his house else he will die of hunger, sorrow, and chilling cold. He also promised him to repay it.
  • The ant told the cricket that he thinks itself to be his servant as well as a friend. But, the ants do not borrow nor do they lend to anyone. He also asked the cricket that why did he not gather and store food during the spring and summer. Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket | English Class 8
  • The cricket said that he did not care much about the future and was busy enjoying the pleasant weather. He thought that food and water will always be abundant.
  • While the cricket was busy enjoying, the ant was storing food for the winter season. 
  • The ant thus annoyed told him that he should pass the winter also singing and dancing. The ant thus quickly put the conversation to an end and pushed him out of his house.

In the end, the poet concludes by saying that he thinks that this fable is quite true. As there are many human beings who do not care about the future. They thus repent when the time is gone.

Conclusion of The Ant and the Cricket


The story teaches us that we shall not behave like cricket. We shall always prepare for the future so that in difficult times we do not have to beg to others for help. It also teaches us that we shall also be helpful to others, unlike the ant.

The document Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket | English Class 8 is a part of the Class 8 Course English Class 8.
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FAQs on Summary: Poem - The Ant and the Cricket - English Class 8

1. What is the summary of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket"?
Ans. The poem "The Ant and the Cricket" is about a hardworking ant and a lazy cricket. During the summer, the ant works diligently to gather food and build a shelter for the winter. In contrast, the cricket spends its time singing and enjoying the sunshine. When winter arrives, the ant is prepared and survives comfortably in its warm shelter, while the cricket suffers and begs for food. The poem teaches the importance of hard work and preparation.
2. What is the conclusion of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket"?
Ans. The conclusion of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket" is that hard work and preparation lead to success and survival. The ant, with its diligent efforts during the summer, is well-prepared for the harsh winter and is able to survive comfortably. On the other hand, the cricket, who neglected to gather food and build shelter, is left begging for help. The poem serves as a reminder that laziness and lack of preparation can have dire consequences.
3. How does the poem "The Ant and the Cricket" teach a moral lesson?
Ans. The poem "The Ant and the Cricket" teaches a moral lesson by contrasting the actions and consequences of the ant and the cricket. The ant's hard work and preparation are rewarded with survival, while the cricket's laziness and neglect lead to suffering. This moral lesson emphasizes the importance of diligence, responsibility, and foresight. It encourages readers to understand the value of hard work and the consequences of procrastination or idleness.
4. Why is the ant considered the protagonist of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket"?
Ans. The ant is considered the protagonist of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket" because it is the main character who drives the plot and embodies the qualities of hard work, responsibility, and preparation. The ant's actions and decisions shape the outcome of the story, highlighting its role as the central figure. The poem focuses on the ant's virtues and the lesson it teaches, making it the central character and protagonist.
5. What is the theme of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket"?
Ans. The theme of the poem "The Ant and the Cricket" revolves around the concepts of hard work, preparation, and the consequences of laziness. It emphasizes the importance of planning for the future and being responsible for one's well-being. The poem suggests that those who work diligently and prepare for challenges will be rewarded, while those who procrastinate or rely on others may suffer the consequences.
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