Circle Round Podcast Episode Summary: "One Good Turn"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: One Good Turn
• Release Date: April 8, 2025

Overview: In the "One Good Turn" episode of Circle Round, WBUR brings to life a universally cherished folktale that explores the complexities of kindness, gratitude, and betrayal. Adapted from various global traditions spanning continents from Asia to Europe and Africa, this episode weaves a rich narrative that resonates with listeners of all ages. The story delves into the age-old adage, "one good turn deserves another," illustrating how intentions can falter and consequences can unfold when trust is broken.

Narrative Summary:

Introduction to Characters and Setting The episode opens with the cheerful voice of Rebecca Shear introducing the tale. The protagonist, Rabbit, is enjoying a serene spring morning, relishing the lush grass and vibrant clover.

• Rabbit’s Contentment:
  [01:48]
  Rabbit: "What a beautiful morning. And is it just me, or is the clover especially delectable today? Not to mention the dandelion greens."

Rabbit’s peaceful grazing is abruptly interrupted by a distressed call for help.

The Plea for Assistance A voice cries out from the bushes, capturing Rabbit’s attention.

• Snake’s Distress:
  [02:08]
  Snake: "Help me. Somebody help me."

Despite Rabbit’s natural instincts and fear of Snake—a known predator of rabbits—her compassionate heart takes over.

• Rabbit’s Decision:
  [03:33]
  Rabbit: "Snake, it's me, Rabbit. I promise I will get you out if you promise not to eat me. Do we have a deal?"

Snake agrees, and Rabbit exerts all her strength to move the heavy rock trapping him.

The Broken Promise Once freed, Snake immediately reveals his true intentions, betraying Rabbit’s trust.

• Snake’s Betrayal:
  [04:14]
  Snake: "Hello, Rabbits. Would you believe I've been stuck under that rock all week?"

• Rabbit’s Realization:
  [05:03]
  Rabbit: "Wait a minute. That mouth watering meal you're referring to isn't me, is it? After all, you made a promise."

Snake feigns forgetfulness but ultimately confronts Rabbit with his predatory nature, despite the promise.

• Snake’s Justification:
  [05:55]
  Snake: "I have. But I've also heard the expression, it's a dog eat dog world. Every creature for themselves. Though in this case, I suppose it's not so much a dog eat dog world as a snake eat rabbit world."

The Chase and the Obstacle Rabbit attempts to flee from Snake’s impending threat but encounters a physical barrier in the form of a tangled vine, slowing her down.

• Rabbit’s Plea:
  [06:56]
  Rabbit: "Please, Snake, have mercy."

As Snake inches closer to capturing Rabbit, the tension mounts, leading to a suspenseful cliffhanger just before the commercial break.

Introduction of Fox: The Wise Mediator After the brief intermission, the story resumes with the introduction of Fox, the wisest and cleverest animal in the forest, who becomes the key to resolving the escalating conflict.

• Fox’s Intervention:
  [08:47]
  Fox: "What is going on here? But Fox, I was trying to take a nap just now. Okay, Owl left behind this super snuggly nest, and it is cozy beyond belief. But how am I supposed to get any shut eye when you two are carrying on like this?"

Rabbit explains the predicament to Fox, who agrees to help mediate the dispute between Rabbit and Snake.

• Rabbit’s Explanation:
  [09:19]
  Rabbit: "Hiya, Fox. Apologies for the commotion, but see, Snake and I are having a quarrel and it's a matter of life and death."

Reenacting the Scene Fox decides to investigate by reenacting the scene to uncover the truth behind Snake’s intentions.

• Fox’s Observation:
  [12:13]
  Fox: "Like I can't move a muscle. Like I can't breathe any air. Like the life is being mashed out of me."

Through this meticulous reenactment, Fox discerns that the initial rescue was not as straightforward as Rabbit claimed. The positioning of Snake’s tail suggests that Rabbit may have exaggerated her role in freeing him.

• Fox’s Conclusion:
  [13:14]
  Fox: "Squashed? Yes. In that case, my work here is done. And next time, I hope you'll think twice before going back on your word, Snake. Because one good turn does deserve another. And Rabbit deserves a far better turn than the one she got."

Resolution and Moral With Fox’s wisdom, Snake is left literally and figuratively caught between his promises and his nature. Fox’s intervention highlights the importance of honesty, the repercussions of betrayal, and the true essence of reciprocity.

Notable Quotes:

• Rabbit on Compassion vs. Survival Instinct:
  [03:07]
  Rabbit: "Uncharitable? Last I checked, you're the one who wants to reward kindness with evil by eating the one who saved you. Haven't you heard the expression, one good turn deserves another?"

• Snake on Self-Preservation:
  [05:55]
  Snake: "I have. But I've also heard the expression, it's a dog eat dog world. Every creature for themselves."

• Fox on Accountability:
  [13:14]
  Fox: "Next time, I hope you'll think twice before going back on your word, Snake. Because one good turn does deserve another. And Rabbit deserves a far better turn than the one she got."

Key Themes and Insights:

1. The Duality of Kindness and Self-Interest: The episode juxtaposes Rabbit's innate kindness against Snake's self-serving instincts, raising questions about the limits and expectations of altruism.

2. Trust and Betrayal: Rabbit's act of saving Snake is a testament to trust, which is swiftly undermined by Snake’s betrayal, serving as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of others’ intentions.

3. Wisdom and Mediation: Fox embodies wisdom and neutrality, demonstrating the role of a mediator in resolving conflicts and uncovering truths that might otherwise remain hidden.

4. Consequences of Broken Promises: Snake’s failure to honor his promise to Rabbit leads to his own predicament, illustrating that deceit and betrayal can have unintended repercussions.

Conclusion: "One Good Turn" serves as a multifaceted narrative that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about empathy, the consequences of our actions, and the importance of keeping one's word. Through the engaging characters of Rabbit, Snake, and Fox, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own interactions and the weight of their deeds in the lives of others.

Activity Prompt: At the episode’s conclusion, listeners are invited to engage in a reflective activity:

• Create a Two-Sided Drawing:
  • Side One: Illustrate a "good turn" you’ve done for someone.
  • Side Two: Draw the positive response you received.
• Share Your Artwork:
  • Show it to someone you enjoy spending time with.
  • With permission, submit a photo of your drawing to circleround@wbur.org for a chance to be featured in the Lion's Roar newsletter.

This activity encourages children and adults alike to think about reciprocal kindness and the impact of their actions on others.

Credits:

• Adaptation and Hosting: Rebecca Shear
• Editing: Dean Russell
• Music and Sound Design: Eric Shyamalonis (featured banjo)
• Artwork: Sabina Hahn
• Voice Actors: Lulu Miller, Ana Gonzalez, Alan Gefinski (from Terrestrials, WNYC Studios)

Final Thoughts: "One Good Turn" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends storytelling with moral lessons, making it a valuable addition to the Circle Round collection. Whether young listeners are learning about empathy and trust, or adults are reminiscing about the lessons from their own childhoods, this episode offers a meaningful exploration of the essence of kindness and the complexities that come with it.