Meaning of fable – a short story, usually involving animals

Meaning of fable – a short story, usually involving animals or inanimate objects, with the purpose of conveying a moral lesson

Part of ancient Greco-Roman world; mainly aimed at ordinary people, not high class

Presented in modern world as children’s stories, though not originally intended/seen that way

Consisted of anecdotes, proverbs, animal stories, jokes, and morality tales (know any 3)

Not much known regarding the identity of Aesop; fables most likely a collection compiled by many authors at different times

Fables combine elements from other cultures such as Egypt and India as well (e.g. animals not native to Greece)

Role of fables in ancient Greece/Rome – shared over meals, spoken by various people such as poets, comedians, philosophers, politicians, orators, and historians (know any 3)

Reason for popularity of fables – can appeal to all types and cultures of people

 

 

Essay:

Pick any two or three of the fables from the assigned reading and explain/analyze the moral(s)/teaching(s) found in them. How true/relevant do you think the moral(s)/ teaching(s) is/are in your own life and today’s society? Give specific examples.

 

Why do you think Aesop’s fables are generally regarded as children’s literature today? Do you think this classification is accurate? Why or why not? Are fables/stories are a good way to convey life lessons/morals? Why or why not? Would the fables be seen differently if the characters were mostly human rather than animals/objects? Give specific examples.