“The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

“The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine first appeared in his Fables, initially published in 1668. This poem, like many others in his celebrated collection, blends wit, moral insight, and vivid storytelling to critique human folly and caution against deceit. The central themes of the poem revolve around wisdom, skepticism, and survival instincts. It contrasts the capon’s cautious refusal to trust seductive calls with the falcon’s misplaced confidence in servitude, illustrating the perils of gullibility and blind obedience. The capon’s witty observation, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” resonates as a timeless lesson on critical thinking and the consequences of manipulation. La Fontaine’s fables gained popularity for their ability to distill complex human behaviors into simple yet profound allegories, ensuring their relevance across centuries.

Text: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

You often hear a sweet seductive call:
If wise, you haste towards it not at all; –
And, if you heed my apologue,
You act like John de Nivelle’s dog.^[2]

A capon, citizen of Mans,
Was summon’d from a throng
To answer to the village squire,
Before tribunal call’d the fire.
The matter to disguise
The kitchen sheriff wise
Cried, ‘Biddy – Biddy – Biddy! – ‘
But not a moment did he –
This Norman and a half^[3] –
The smooth official trust.
‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust,
And I’m too old for chaff.’
Meantime, a falcon, on his perch,
Observed the flight and search.
In man, by instinct or experience,
The capons have so little confidence,
That this was not without much trouble caught,
Though for a splendid supper sought.
To lie, the morrow night,
In brilliant candle-light,
Supinely on a dish
‘Midst viands, fowl, and fish,
With all the ease that heart could wish –
This honour, from his master kind,
The fowl would gladly have declined.
Outcried the bird of chase,
As in the weeds he eyed the skulker’s face,
‘Why, what a stupid, blockhead race! –
Such witless, brainless fools
Might well defy the schools.
For me, I understand
To chase at word
The swiftest bird,
Aloft, o’er sea or land;
At slightest beck,
Returning quick
To perch upon my master’s hand.
There, at his window he appears –
He waits thee – hasten – hast no ears?’
‘Ah! that I have,’ the fowl replied;
‘But what from master might betide?
Or cook, with cleaver at his side?
Return you may for such a call,
But let me fly their fatal hall;
And spare your mirth at my expense:
Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense
To know that all this sweet-toned breath
Is spent to lure me to my death.
If you had seen upon the spit
As many of the falcons roast
As I have of the capon host,
You would, not thus reproach my wit.’

Annotations: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

Line	Annotation/Meaning	Literary Devices	Examples of Device
“You often hear a sweet seductive call:”	Introduces the theme of deception, warning against alluring but dangerous temptations.	Imagery, Foreshadowing	The phrase “sweet seductive call” creates sensory imagery.
“If wise, you haste towards it not at all;”	Offers moral advice about avoiding seductive traps if one is wise.	Didactic Tone, Parallelism	The phrase “If wise, you haste” emphasizes a moral lesson.
“And, if you heed my apologue,”	Sets up the fable as an allegorical tale with a clear moral lesson.	Metaphor	The fable itself is metaphorical, representing real-life deception.
“You act like John de Nivelle’s dog.”	Refers to a historical allegory, comparing prudent individuals to a dog who avoids danger.	Allusion	Reference to John de Nivelle’s dog adds historical depth.
“A capon, citizen of Mans,”	Introduces the protagonist, the capon, who represents caution and experience.	Personification	The capon is personified as a “citizen.”
“Was summon’d from a throng / To answer to the village squire,”	Creates a setting of judgment, where the capon is called to face consequences.	Imagery	“Summon’d from a throng” paints a vivid picture.
“Before tribunal call’d the fire.”	Introduces the idea of danger and punishment, represented by “fire.”	Metaphor	“Tribunal call’d the fire” symbolizes punishment.
“The matter to disguise / The kitchen sheriff wise”	Shows the deception employed to lure the capon into a trap.	Irony	The “kitchen sheriff” deceives while pretending to uphold justice.
“Cried, ‘Biddy – Biddy – Biddy! – ‘”	Mimics a baiting call, reinforcing the theme of deceptive allure.	Onomatopoeia	“Biddy” mimics the sound used to lure poultry.
“But not a moment did he – / This Norman and a half -“	Describes the capon’s skepticism and resistance.	Characterization	“Norman and a half” emphasizes cleverness and resistance.
“‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust, / And I’m too old for chaff.'”	The capon rejects the bait, displaying wisdom and experience.	Metaphor, Dialogue	“Your bait is dust” metaphorically dismisses the lure.
“Meantime, a falcon, on his perch,”	Introduces the falcon, representing pride and overconfidence.	Symbolism	The falcon symbolizes arrogance and blind trust.
“Observed the flight and search.”	Suggests the falcon’s judgmental attitude towards the capon’s caution.	Contrast	Juxtaposes the falcon’s judgment with the capon’s caution.
“In man, by instinct or experience, / The capons have so little confidence,”	Draws a comparison between human nature and the capon’s distrust, highlighting wisdom gained through experience.	Anthropomorphism	Attributing human characteristics to animals.
“Though for a splendid supper sought.”	Ironic commentary on the ultimate fate awaiting the capon despite being desired for an honor.	Irony	The “splendid supper” ironically means death.
“To lie, the morrow night, / In brilliant candle-light,”	Vividly describes the capon’s undesirable fate despite its apparent grandeur.	Imagery	“Brilliant candle-light” evokes a vivid mental image.
“‘Why, what a stupid, blockhead race! / Such witless, brainless fools'”	The falcon mocks the capon, displaying its own arrogance.	Tone (Mocking)	The falcon’s tone is dismissive and arrogant.
“‘But what from master might betide? / Or cook, with cleaver at his side?'”	The capon counters, emphasizing its knowledge of the dangers that await it.	Foreshadowing	References to “cleaver” and “master” foreshadow death.
“‘Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death.'”	The capon emphasizes its wisdom, rejecting false temptations with a sharp critique of deception.	Epiphany, Symbolism	“Sweet-toned breath” symbolizes deceit; wisdom prevails.
“If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast”	Points out the falcon’s ignorance and naivety by alluding to its inevitable fate as a servant.	Irony, Allusion	The falcon unknowingly mocks its own eventual doom.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Cried, ‘Biddy – Biddy – Biddy!'”	The repetition of the ‘B’ sound mimics the baiting call, adding rhythm and emphasizing the deception.
Allusion	“You act like John de Nivelle’s dog.”	Refers to a historical allegory, enhancing the meaning of prudence and distrust in the context of the fable.
Anthropomorphism	“A capon, citizen of Mans,”	The capon is personified as a citizen, attributing human-like qualities to animals to make the story relatable.
Assonance	“Meantime, a falcon, on his perch,”	The repetition of the ‘a’ sound in “falcon” and “perch” creates a musical quality.
Characterization	“‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust, / And I’m too old for chaff.'”	The capon is characterized as wise and experienced, highlighting its cautious nature.
Contrast	“The capon’s caution vs. the falcon’s overconfidence”	The fable contrasts these two characters to teach a moral lesson about the importance of wisdom over arrogance.
Dialogue	“‘Ah! that I have,’ the fowl replied; / ‘But what from master might betide?'”	The use of dialogue conveys the perspectives and attitudes of the capon and falcon, making the moral argument dynamic.
Didactic Tone	“If wise, you haste towards it not at all;”	The tone is instructive, aiming to teach the reader about the dangers of succumbing to deceptive allure.
Epiphany	“‘Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death.'”	The capon experiences a moment of realization, reinforcing the moral of the fable.
Foreshadowing	“Before tribunal call’d the fire.”	The phrase hints at the capon’s potential doom, building tension early in the narrative.
Hyperbole	“‘Such witless, brainless fools / Might well defy the schools.'”	The falcon exaggerates its opinion of the capon’s intelligence to emphasize its arrogance.
Imagery	“To lie, the morrow night, / In brilliant candle-light,”	Creates a vivid mental picture of the capon’s fate, using descriptive language to enhance the narrative.
Irony	“For a splendid supper sought.”	The phrase is ironic because the “splendid supper” involves the capon’s demise.
Metaphor	“‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust, / And I’m too old for chaff.'”	The bait is metaphorically described as “dust” to signify worthlessness, highlighting the capon’s skepticism.
Mocking Tone	“‘Why, what a stupid, blockhead race!'”	The falcon’s tone mocks the capon, emphasizing the falcon’s misplaced sense of superiority.
Onomatopoeia	“‘Biddy – Biddy – Biddy!'”	The sound mimics a baiting call, reinforcing the theme of deception.
Parallelism	“To chase at word / The swiftest bird, / Aloft, o’er sea or land;”	The repetition of structure in these lines emphasizes the falcon’s abilities, contrasting with its eventual vulnerability.
Symbolism	“The kitchen sheriff wise”	The “kitchen sheriff” symbolizes deceptive authority figures who lure victims to their doom.
Tone (Cautionary)	“You often hear a sweet seductive call: / If wise, you haste towards it not at all;”	The tone of the opening lines sets up a cautionary narrative that warns against temptation and gullibility.

Themes: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

1. The Danger of Deception: La Fontaine’s fable underscores the pervasive danger of deception and the importance of remaining vigilant against manipulative tactics. The capon, a symbol of experience and caution, recognizes the false allure in the “sweet seductive call” meant to lure it into a deadly trap. The capon explicitly remarks, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” directly acknowledging the destructive intent behind the seemingly benign bait. This theme cautions readers to scrutinize appearances and resist falling for superficial enticements, as danger often lies beneath a façade of charm.

---

2. Wisdom Through Experience: The capon embodies the value of wisdom gained through life’s trials. Unlike the falcon, which boasts of its obedience and skills in serving its master, the capon exercises prudence and skepticism. It remarks, “Your bait is dust, and I’m too old for chaff,” illustrating its refusal to fall for deceptive tricks, having learned from past experiences. This contrast between the cautious capon and the overconfident falcon highlights the fable’s moral lesson: wisdom derived from experience often proves more reliable than blind trust or pride in one’s abilities.

---

3. Arrogance and its Consequences: The falcon represents arrogance and blind loyalty, contrasting sharply with the capon’s careful skepticism. Proud of its skills, the falcon mocks the capon as a “stupid, blockhead race” and belittles its decision to avoid the trap. Yet, this arrogance blinds the falcon to its own vulnerability, as the capon cleverly points out: “If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast / As I have of the capon host.” Here, the capon’s response exposes the falcon’s naivety and foreshadows the falcon’s ultimate fate as a servant who is similarly disposable. This theme warns against the dangers of pride and overconfidence, which can cloud judgment and lead to downfall.

---

4. Survival Instincts and Self-Preservation: The fable champions the importance of survival instincts and self-preservation in navigating life’s challenges. The capon, driven by its instinct to avoid danger, refuses to trust the bait, despite its tempting allure. It wisely chooses freedom over the perilous “honor” of being served on a dish in “brilliant candle-light.” By prioritizing its safety over societal expectations or superficial rewards, the capon demonstrates the value of self-preservation. This theme teaches readers to act in their best interest and resist societal pressures or enticing opportunities that may lead to harm.

Literary Theories and “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

Literary Theory	Application to the Fable	References from the Poem
Moral Criticism	This theory focuses on the ethical message conveyed in the text. The fable serves as a cautionary tale about wisdom, self-preservation, and the dangers of deceit.	The capon’s words, “Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death,” deliver the moral lesson of avoiding seductive but harmful temptations.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Examines the psychological motives of the characters. The capon’s cautious behavior reflects its instinct for self-preservation, while the falcon’s arrogance represents overconfidence rooted in pride and loyalty.	The capon’s refusal to trust the bait, “Your bait is dust, and I’m too old for chaff,” demonstrates a deep understanding of its survival instincts. The falcon, meanwhile, mocks the capon but fails to see its own vulnerability.
Structuralism	Focuses on the binary oppositions in the narrative, such as wisdom vs. arrogance, survival vs. sacrifice, and trust vs. skepticism. These oppositions structure the fable’s central conflict and moral resolution.	The falcon’s arrogance (“Why, what a stupid, blockhead race!”) contrasts with the capon’s cautious wisdom (“If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast…”), establishing the binary structure of intelligence versus naivety.
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes power dynamics and class structures. The falcon, loyal to its master, represents servitude to authority, while the capon’s defiance reflects resistance to exploitation.	The falcon boasts, “At slightest beck, / Returning quick / To perch upon my master’s hand,” symbolizing subjugation. The capon’s refusal to comply with authority demonstrates a rejection of the role imposed upon it, highlighting class resistance.

Critical Questions about “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

Literary Works Similar to “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

1. “The Crow and the Fox” by Jean de La Fontaine
   Similar in its use of anthropomorphic animals and a moralistic tone, this fable-like poem warns against vanity and gullibility, much like “The Falcon and The Capon” cautions against deception and arrogance.
2. “The Grasshopper and the Ant” by Jean de La Fontaine
   This poem shares thematic parallels in its focus on contrasting character traits—in this case, diligence versus carelessness—conveying a clear moral lesson through animal characters.
3. “The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt
   This poem also explores the theme of deception, where a spider lures a fly with flattering words, echoing the seductive traps seen in “The Falcon and The Capon.”
4. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear
   Though more whimsical, this poem anthropomorphizes animals to narrate a moral lesson about harmony, offering a playful yet thoughtful comparison to La Fontaine’s more cautionary tone.
5. “The Fable of the Bees” by Bernard Mandeville
   Using allegorical bees to reflect societal flaws and moral dilemmas, this poem aligns with La Fontaine’s style of critiquing human behavior through animal-centered narratives.

Representative Quotations of “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“You often hear a sweet seductive call: / If wise, you haste towards it not at all;”	Opens the poem with a cautionary tone, warning against falling for deceptive allure.	Moral Criticism: Emphasizes the ethical lesson of resisting temptations and valuing wisdom over impulse.
“And, if you heed my apologue, / You act like John de Nivelle’s dog.”	Refers to a historical allegory, introducing the fable as a tale of prudence and skepticism.	Allusion Theory: Draws on external historical references to enhance the fable’s moral depth.
“‘Your bait,’ said he, ‘is dust, / And I’m too old for chaff.'”	The capon rejects the deceptive call of the “kitchen sheriff,” showcasing its wisdom and skepticism.	Structuralism: Highlights the binary opposition of trust versus caution, which drives the narrative’s moral tension.
“Meantime, a falcon, on his perch, / Observed the flight and search.”	Introduces the falcon, contrasting its prideful nature with the capon’s cautious attitude.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Examines the falcon’s overconfidence and judgmental attitude as a psychological flaw.
“Why, what a stupid, blockhead race!”	The falcon mocks the capon’s cautious behavior, displaying arrogance and blind confidence.	Poststructuralism: Questions the falcon’s authority to judge and its failure to recognize its own vulnerability.
“‘Whate’er I lack, ’tis not the sense / To know that all this sweet-toned breath / Is spent to lure me to my death.'”	The capon defends its wisdom, recognizing the danger hidden in seductive words.	Moral Criticism: Reinforces the lesson of critical thinking and self-preservation.
“If you had seen upon the spit / As many of the falcons roast / As I have of the capon host,”	The capon counters the falcon’s arrogance, pointing out its naivety about its servile role.	Irony Theory: Highlights the irony of the falcon mocking the capon when it too is destined for a grim fate.
“To lie, the morrow night, / In brilliant candle-light, / Supinely on a dish”	Describes the grim fate awaiting the capon despite the enticing illusion of grandeur.	Marxist Criticism: Symbolizes the exploitation of the capon by those in power, reflecting societal hierarchies.
“At slightest beck, / Returning quick / To perch upon my master’s hand.”	The falcon boasts about its loyalty and obedience to its master, viewing it as a virtue.	Marxist Criticism: Critiques the falcon’s blind servitude to authority and its lack of awareness about exploitation.
“Such witless, brainless fools / Might well defy the schools.”	The falcon derides the capon’s caution, failing to recognize its own ignorance.	Irony Theory: Demonstrates the falcon’s misplaced superiority and eventual vulnerability.

Suggested Readings: “The Falcon And The Capon” by Jean de La Fontaine

1. de La Fontaine, Jean. The Complete Fables of La Fontaine: A New Translation in Verse. Skyhorse Publishing Inc., 2011.
2. Shapiro, Norman R., et al. “BOOK VIII.” The Complete Fables of Jean de La Fontaine, University of Illinois Press, 2007, pp. 187–228. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/j.ctt1xcm7h.13. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.
3. La Fontaine, Jean. The complete fables of Jean de la Fontaine. University of Illinois Press, 2007.