What Makes a Fable Unique? Exploring a Special Genre of Short Stories
Written on
Understanding Fables
A fable is a brief narrative that possesses distinct characteristics, setting it apart from other short stories.
The Elements of Fables
Fables are fictional narratives that are succinct and straightforward in both language and structure. They often feature animals, inanimate objects, or other non-human protagonists and cleverly convey a moral lesson that helps readers understand behavior or the world around them.
Many famous fables are attributed to Aesop, who is credited with creating one of the most recognized tales, "The Tortoise and the Hare." Aesop, a Greek storyteller from around 600 B.C.E., may or may not have been a real individual. His stories were primarily shared orally and were not documented in writing during his lifetime. Even though these fables bear his name, their roots likely trace back to ancient folklore that was passed down through generations before Aesop popularized them. His tales remained influential in ancient Greece and were later compiled by various writers, cementing Aesop's legacy in Western literature.
Prominent Examples of Fables
Some notable fables include Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Ant and the Grasshopper," and "The Wolf and the Crane." Other examples can be found in Joel Chandler Harris's "Uncle Remus Stories," which features fables with Br'er Rabbit, as well as Arabic fables like "The Fables of Bidpai." South African stories, such as "The Monkey's Fiddle" and "The Story of Lion and Little Jackal," also fall into this category. Leonardo Da Vinci even contributed with tales like "The Goldfinch and The Mouse."
Exploring a Modern Fable
Consider "The Squirrel and the Tree" as a modern fable. Can you identify the key elements? It features non-human characters, engaging storytelling, and a hidden moral lesson.
The Squirrel and the Tree | A Contemporary Fable
Once, a young squirrel dreamed of climbing the tallest tree. However, her mother advised her, "First, you must find ten beautiful nuts and plant them in the ground. Only then may you climb the tallest tree."
Eager to embark on her quest, the young squirrel quickly found three lovely nuts and diligently chose a spot for planting. Though digging was challenging, she persevered, burying the precious nuts with pride.
She soon discovered four more perfect nuts, which her mother had taught her to select with care. "Mother," she exclaimed, pointing to her mounds of earth, "Look at what I've accomplished! Can I climb the tallest tree now?"
"But you’ve only planted seven nuts, dear. While this is commendable, it doesn't fulfill the entire requirement," her mother replied.
Disheartened, the young squirrel sat at the base of the towering tree, gazing upward at its majestic trunk. Frustrated, she thought, "Why must I go through all this effort? Perhaps I can return later, and my mother will allow me to climb the tree since I’ve worked so hard!"
Weeks went by, and the news spread that the giant tree was to be cut down! The young squirrel listened to the chatter among her peers, including those who had already scaled the towering tree.
Feeling dismayed, she once again pleaded with her mother, but to no avail. "You've spent too much time playing when you only have three nuts left to plant. You could finish that quickly!" her mother insisted, arms crossed.
With a heavy heart, the young squirrel gazed across the yard filled with lush grass, bushes, and the edges of the woods lined with walnut and oak trees. A gentle breeze lifted her spirits, and she straightened up, determined to complete her task.
With her mother watching proudly, she covered the last nut with dirt and turned to look at the great tree once more. Taking a deep breath, she dashed up the trunk, her claws gripping expertly as she climbed higher and higher until she reached the highest limb.
The view from the top was breathtaking! The fresh air invigorated her, and she marveled at how far her eyes could see from this vantage point.
— "The Squirrel and the Tree," published 06/25/2019 by Fiddleheads & Floss
Discussion Questions for the Fable
- Do you consider this story a "contemporary American fable"? Why or why not?
- Why might the author have chosen a squirrel as the central character?
- What do you believe is the primary moral of this tale?
Learn More About Fables
Christina M. Ward is a freelance writer specializing in cannabis, wellness, and clean beauty. Her work has appeared in publications like Today's Health Science, LA Weekly, and Men's Health. Christina's creativity has garnered her recognition among peers and she has authored several books available on Amazon.
What Makes a Fable Unique?
— Story updated 03/2024