FOX

15th April 2024

Photo Credit: JimFeng (Getty Images Pro), CANVA

QUOTATION

Then are we all undone.

It is not possible it cannot be

The King should keep his word in loving us.

He will suspect us still and find a time

To punish this offense in other faults.

Suspicion all our lives shall be stuck full of eyes,

For treason, like the fox,

Who never so tame, so cherished and locked up,

Will have a wild trick of his ancestors.

WORCESTER: Henry IV, Part 1, Act 5, Scene 2

FOX (Vulpes vulpes)

Foxes epitomise cunning and deceit in Shakespeare’s imagery. Worcester, in the quotation above, believes that he will never be forgiven for rebelling against the king and will also be suspected of deceit. Shakespeare is continuing a long tradition of recognising the intelligence of this species. Foxes appear several time in the ancient Greek Aesop’s Fables.

Foxes can thrive in a wide range of habitats including urban environments.

More Information

British Mammal Society: Fox

Folger Shakespeare: Search Shakespeare’s Works