The Eagle and the Beetle Summary Class 8 English

Vikram Seth is an Indian writer known for his novels and poetry. In the story "The Eagle and the Beetle," a beetle and a hare are close friends who enjoy each other's company and live in the present. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when an eagle swoops down and snatches the hare away, disregarding the beetle's plea for mercy. Devastated by her friend's tragic fate, the beetle vows to avenge the hare's death. She tracks the eagle to her nest and waits for the opportune moment. When the eagle lays new eggs, the beetle rolls them out of the nest, causing the eagle distress and fear. This cycle repeats over a year, with the beetle relentlessly targeting the eagle's eggs, tormenting her and disrupting her life. The eagle, driven to madness by the constant harassment, becomes paranoid and fearful. She is unable to rest or lay her eggs in peace. Eventually, in despair, she appeals to Zeus, the king of gods, for a safe place to nest. Zeus offers his lap, believing it to be the safest spot in the universe.

However, the beetle seizes the opportunity to retaliate. She flings a small ball of dung at Zeus, causing him to react in disgust and unknowingly tip out the eagle's eggs. Tragically, the eagle loses her offspring and succumbs to grief, and it is said that eagles now avoid nesting during the peak beetle season. The moral of the story can be interpreted in two ways. Some believe it highlights the consequences of the strong oppressing the weak, while others dismiss it as a mere expression of the hare's capricious nature. Regardless, the tale emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and the potential for revenge and retribution. Overall, "The Eagle and the Beetle" tells the story of friendship, betrayal, revenge, and the enduring consequences of one's actions.