Fable

Introduction

Fables are a fascinating literary device that involve crafting short stories to illustrate a moral lesson. Typically featuring animals, objects, or forces of nature as characters with human qualities, fables are a staple in cultural storytelling across the globe. These characters often face challenges or dilemmas that teach valuable lessons about life, ethics, or human nature. The simplicity and universality of fables make them accessible and impactful, allowing readers of all ages to glean wisdom from the narratives. One of the most celebrated fabulists, Aesop, with his “Aesop’s Fables,” has been a primary source of such stories since ancient times.

Pronunciation ‘FAY-buhl’

When Do Writers Use the Fable Literary Device?

Writers turn to fables when they want to impart ethical principles or life lessons in a way that is both engaging and easily understandable. This literary device is particularly effective in communicating complex ideas to younger audiences, who can learn about virtues such as honesty, perseverance, and compassion through clear and simple tales. Additionally, fables appeal to adult readers, offering deep insights wrapped in the guise of quaint narratives. By presenting stories that resonate on multiple levels, fables can serve as powerful tools for critique and reflection, often encouraging readers to question societal norms and personal beliefs.

Rules for Using Fable Device

When using fables as a literary device, keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Focus on a Clear Moral: Each fable should convey a specific lesson or moral. Ensure that your story drives home this point in a conclusive and meaningful way.
2. Use Anthropomorphized Characters: Animals or inanimate objects endowed with human traits make your fable engaging and memorable, providing a unique perspective on human behavior.
3. Keep It Brief and Simple: The power of a fable lies in its brevity and clarity. Aim for succinct storytelling that delivers the moral without unnecessary complexity.
4. End with a Moral: Traditionally, fables conclude with a moral or a direct statement of the lesson. This helps reinforce the message for the reader.
5. Adapt to Your Audience: While the structure of fables is traditional, tailor the themes and language to suit the cultural and age-specific needs of your intended audience.

These elements will help ensure that your fable resonates with readers and effectively communicates the intended moral or lesson.

Types of Fable

Fables come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose but unified in delivering a moral lesson. Here are some prominent types:

1. Aesopian Fable: Originating from Aesop, these fables are characterized by their use of animals as main characters. They typically end with a moral lesson explicitly stated.
2. Literary Fable: Crafted by skilled writers such as Jean de La Fontaine, these fables are more elaborate and often written for a more sophisticated audience, including adults. They maintain the moral instruction but with a polished literary style.
3. Modern Fable: These contemporary fables might use non-traditional characters like robots or aliens and are sometimes set in futuristic or imaginative settings. Their morals often deal with current ethical or moral dilemmas.
4. Eastern Fable: Common in Eastern literatures, such as Indian and Chinese, these fables often involve mythological creatures or gods and carry lessons aligned with spiritual and philosophical tenets.

Fable in Literature

Fables have been a prominent part of literature across cultures. Some of the most famous literary fables include:

1. “Aesop’s Fables” – A collection of fables credited to Aesop, a slave and storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.
2. “The Tortoise and the Hare” from Aesop’s Fables – Demonstrates the moral “slow and steady wins the race.”
3. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” – Another from Aesop, teaching the danger of lying.
4. “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” by Aesop – Highlights the virtues of different lifestyles.
5. “The Crow and the Pitcher” – A smart illustration of problem-solving.

Fable in Children’s Books

Fables form an essential part of children’s literature, providing moral lessons in a form that young readers can easily understand and enjoy. Some renowned examples include:

1. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter – Although not a traditional fable, it teaches the consequences of disobedience.
2. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White – While primarily a novel, it incorporates fable-like elements with talking animals and themes of friendship and sacrifice.
3. “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss – Uses the format of a modern fable to discuss environmental issues.
4. “Ferdinand the Bull” by Munro Leaf – Illustrates the virtues of being true to oneself.

Fable in Poetry

Fables have also been expressed through poetry, where poets use concise and rhythmic language to deliver a moral. Some notable examples include:

1. “The Frogs Who Desired a King” by Aesop – Often adapted into poetic form, this fable warns of the dangers of discontent.
2. Fables by John Gay – A poet known for his “Fables,” which are humorous and moralistic, often focusing on human follies.
3. “The Walrus and the Carpenter” by Lewis Carroll – Part of his collection in “Through the Looking-Glass,” which, while not a traditional fable, uses fantastical elements and characters to satirize social norms.
4. “The Rose and the Amaranth” by Aesop – A poetic fable about the nature of love and friendship.

Each of these categories showcases the versatility of fables as a literary device across different formats and audiences.

Fable in Songs

Songs often incorporate fable-like stories to convey morals and lessons, using characters and narratives to engage listeners. Here are ten famous examples:

1. “The Fox” by Nickel Creek – Tells a whimsical tale of a fox raiding a farmyard.
2. “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Maynard Moose – A musical retelling of Aesop’s classic fable.
3. “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin – Uses a narrative style to discuss the consequences of neglecting family for work.
4. “The Ant and the Grasshopper” by SOMOS – A song that portrays the classic fable about the virtues of hard work and planning.
5. “Hotel California” by The Eagles – Though not a traditional fable, it tells a story with a moral undertone about the excesses of fame and fortune.
6. “Big Bad Wolf” by In This Moment – A modern take on the wolf character from various fables, exploring themes of fear and perception.
7. “Scorpion and the Frog” by Jon English – Based on the well-known fable about inherent nature leading to self-destruction.
8. “The Crow and the Butterfly” by Shinedown – Reflects on change and loss, drawing from the introspective lesson a fable might convey.
9. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” by Passenger – A direct adaptation of the famous Aesop’s fable warning against lying.
10. “Love is a Losing Game” by Amy Winehouse – Though not explicitly a fable, it uses metaphorical language to impart a lesson about the risks of love, much like a fable.

Fable in Movies

Movies often use fables to tell stories with a moral focus, featuring characters and plots that emphasize human values and ethical dilemmas. Here are some notable examples:

1. “The Lion King” – Inspired by the tales of Joseph and Moses from the Bible and elements of Hamlet, it teaches lessons about responsibility and redemption.
2. “Charlotte’s Web” – A film adaptation of the book, using talking animals to discuss themes of friendship and sacrifice.
3. “WALL-E” – Uses a futuristic setting and non-human characters to deliver a story about environmental conservation and love.
4. “Zootopia” – A modern animated fable that addresses issues of prejudice and diversity through its anthropomorphic characters.
5. “The Ant Bully” – Tells a story that teaches about the consequences of bullying and the importance of community.
6. “Avatar” – Through its alien setting and narrative, it speaks to the impact of imperialism and environmental destruction.
7. “Finding Nemo” – A story about the perils of overprotectiveness and the strength of familial bonds.
8. “A Bug’s Life” – Focuses on themes of innovation and the power of teamwork in overcoming adversity.
9. “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” – A clever adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book that explores themes of identity, family, and survival.
10. “Shrek” – Turns traditional fairy tale morals on their head, promoting themes of acceptance and the critique of societal norms.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Fable

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” — Rafiki, The Lion King

YouTube Link of Any Relevant Movie Clip Demonstrating Fable

The Lion King – “The past can hurt” scene

Fable in Advertising

Advertisers often use fables to create memorable campaigns that impart moral messages, encouraging consumers to reflect on their choices. Examples include:

1. The North Face: “Never Stop Exploring” – Uses narratives of adventure to teach about perseverance and discovery.
2. Chipotle: “Back to the Start” – An animated short that tells a farmer’s story to promote sustainable farming.
3. Mercedes-Benz: “The Tortoise and the Hare” – Reimagines the classic fable to highlight technological advancements in car engines.
4. Nike: “The Boy Who Kept Running” – A fable-like story featuring professional athlete Mo Farah, promoting determination and resilience.

Fable Related Literary Devices

Fables are closely linked to several literary devices that enhance their storytelling and moral teaching:

1. Allegory: Like fables, allegories use characters and plots symbolically to represent larger human situations or abstract concepts.
2. Parable: Similar to fables, but typically more straightforward and realistic, parables use simple stories to convey spiritual or moral lessons.
3. Metaphor: Fables often employ metaphors by using animals or objects to symbolize human behaviors and traits.
4. Personification: Giving human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects is a core technique in fables to make the stories relatable and teach lessons.
5. Symbolism: Many fables use symbolic elements to subtly represent broader themes and morals.

These devices work together to make fables a powerful tool for imparting wisdom and lessons through storytelling.