Literary Term Fable
A fable is a short story that uses animals, objects, or characters to teach a moral lesson or convey a message simply and entertainingly. Fables often share moral lessons or truths about human nature through allegory. Fable uses these characters in a simple and direct narrative. The most famous fables of English Literature are Aesop’s Fables, The Panchatantra, Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Jean de La Fontaine’s Fables.
Characteristics of Fables: Fables are a unique form of literature that typically involves short stories featuring animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that are personified and exhibit human-like qualities. Here are some key characteristics of fables:
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- Animal Characters: Fables often use animals as the main characters to convey a moral lesson or a piece of wisdom. These animals typically represent specific human qualities or characteristics.
- Moral or Lesson: One of the defining features of fables is their emphasis on teaching a moral lesson or universal truth. The story usually concludes with a clear moral statement or a proverbial lesson that the reader can derive from the narrative.
- Simplicity and Conciseness: Fables are usually short, focusing on delivering a single moral message. They tend to be straightforward in their storytelling, making them easily accessible to readers of different ages.
- Allegorical Nature: Often, fables are allegorical, meaning they use symbolic characters or situations to represent broader concepts or moral principles. They use metaphorical elements to convey deeper meanings.
- Universal Appeal: Fables exceed cultural boundaries and periods, as they typically address fundamental aspects of human nature and morality relevant across different societies and eras.
- Repetition and Structure: Fables might employ repetition in their structure, with recurring patterns or phrases to emphasize the moral lesson. This repetition aids in reinforcing the central message.
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- Entertainment and Education: While fables aim to educate or impart moral lessons, they are also meant to entertain readers. The use of engaging storytelling techniques keeps the audience captivated.
- Traditional Origins: Many fables originated in oral storytelling traditions and were passed down through generations before being documented in written form.
