Circle Round: "The Fruits of Labor" – Episode Summary

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host/Author: WBUR’s Rebecca Shear
Adapted by: Jeffrey Donovan and the Circle Round Team
Duration: 15-25 minutes

Introduction to the Story

In this heartwarming episode of Circle Round, titled "The Fruits of Labor," listeners are transported into a timeless folktale inspired by Jewish stories from the Middle East over a millennium ago. The narrative centers around themes of foresight, generosity, and the enduring impact of one's actions on future generations.

Meeting the Prince and the Wise Old Woman

The story begins with a young prince venturing through the serene countryside at dawn. His journey leads him to a quaint village where he encounters an elderly woman diligently planting a young fig tree in her garden.

[02:35] Jeffrey Donovan (Prince): "Madam, you have a good and generous heart. Your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are lucky to have you."

The prince is intrigued by the woman's dedication despite her age. Upon inquiring, he learns that she is celebrating her 100th birthday, supported by her extensive lineage.

A Promise for Posterity

The old woman's motive for planting the fig tree goes beyond personal enjoyment.

[04:38] Old Woman: "For my five children, and my 10 grandchildren, and my 20 great grandchildren. And however many generations come after that."

Her ancestors had similarly planted fruit trees, ensuring that their descendants could enjoy the fruits of their labor. Inspired by her wisdom, the prince leaves with a promise from the old woman to share the first harvest of figs.

Rise to Kingship and Forgotten Promises

Shortly after their meeting, the prince ascends to the throne following his father's passing. The responsibilities of kingship consume him, and memories of the old woman fade. Years later, she honors her promise by presenting the king with a basket of exquisite figs from her well-nurtured tree.

[08:29] Jeffrey Donovan (King): "Oh my, this fig is exquisite and the purple and red coloring is gorgeous, like nothing I've ever seen."

Rewarding Generosity and Envy Arises

Moved by her selflessness, the king rewards her with a basket of gold coins, intending to honor her foresight. However, the old woman's neighbor, driven by envy, attempts to replicate her success by stealing figs and presenting them to the king, hoping for similar rewards.

[12:43] Conniving Neighbor: "If that old geezer can get a basket of gold in exchange for a basket of figs, then so can I."

The King's Lesson on True Generosity

The king, recognizing the neighbor's deceit, devises a clever response. Instead of awarding the neighbor with gold, he issues a decree that the reward be given to the neighbor’s nonexistent great grandchildren, emphasizing that true generosity benefits future generations, not the self-serving present.

[17:27] Conniving Neighbor: "This document officially declares that one basket of gold shall hereby be rewarded to my great grandchildren."

[18:18] Jeffrey Donovan (King): "At the ripe old age of 100, your neighbor planted a fig tree because she was planning for the future... Therefore, it's only fitting that your reward should be before your great grandchildren."

Disheartened, the neighbor learns a valuable lesson about the essence of true generosity and the importance of acting selflessly for the greater good.

Moral and Practical Insights

The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on their actions and consider how they can contribute positively to future generations. Suggestions include planting trees, reducing waste, participating in community cleanups, donating unused items, and practicing acts of kindness that have lasting ripple effects.

[18:59] Rebecca Shear: "Because, thanks to the old woman's noble example, the king now understood that if you want to set up a brighter future, there's no time like the present to do it."

Notable Quotes

• Old Woman: "Planning for posterity means taking actions and making choices that will benefit the generations to come." ([00:00])

• King: "One kind act today could have a ripple effect that lasts for years." ([12:20])

Production Highlights

• Adaptation and Performance: Jeffrey Donovan lends his voice to both the Prince and the King, bringing depth and relatability to their characters. The story is enriched by original music and sound design from Eric Shimalonis, featuring the clarinet played by Ben Redwine.

• Interactive Elements: Each episode concludes with an activity prompting deeper conversations between children and adults, reinforcing the episode’s themes.

Conclusion

"The Fruits of Labor" is a beautifully crafted tale that underscores the significance of thinking beyond oneself and investing in the future. Through the interactions between the prince, the old woman, and the envious neighbor, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of generosity and the positive legacy one can leave behind.

For families seeking stories that entertain while imparting valuable life lessons, this episode of Circle Round delivers a compelling narrative wrapped in rich cultural heritage.

Explore More with Circle Round

To engage further with the story and its themes, Circle Round offers coloring pages, picture books, and membership to the Circle Round Club for exclusive content and community events. Visit WBUR.org/CircleRound to discover more.