Fables are one of the many genres of literature available to your child. It used to be that everyone knew a fable or two. Today, that is not always the case. But – it’s not too late to introduce yourself to this type of story.
What Is A Fable?
As a specific genre, fables are short works of fiction meant to teach something, often about morals (good and bad, right and wrong).
How Can I Spot One?
They often involve fantastical elements, like magic, talking animals, and entirely fictional settings. Not every element of a fable is necessarily allegorical, but the underlying thematic weight is, by design.
What Is Their Purpose?
Fables impart morals and other distinct messages through storytelling and character consequences. It isn’t a requirement that the lesson be clear upon conclusion, though having its result be open to interpretation does seem to undermine a work of literature whose intrinsic purpose is teaching the reader something.
What Are Aesop’s Fables?
You may have heard of the ancient Greek fabulist Aesop, whose name seems to be inextricably linked to fables, as many of the most common ones are attributed to him. These works are collectively known as Aesop’s Fables.
Some of Aesop’s notable fables:
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
A shepherd boy repeatedly tells the townsfolk that he spotted a wolf, and they come to help. Eventually, they stop coming, even when an actual wolf attacks.
Moral: Trust is earned.
The Tortoise and the Hare
An overconfident hare loses a race to a slow-and-steady tortoise after getting far ahead and deciding to take a nap.
Moral: Arrogance can lead you to fail. Sometimes effort matters as much or more than natural talent.
The Lion and the Mouse
A mouse saves a lion from a trap after the lion showed the mouse mercy. The lion initially assumed that the mouse couldn’t possibly be of any help.
Moral: There’s a real benefit to choosing kindness. Don’t underestimate others based on appearance.
Any Other Examples?
Author Leo Lionni wrote many books that were fables. Geared to younger readers, they include Swimmy, as well as the Frederick books. The novella Animal Farm by George Orwell is a good example of a longer work of fiction for older readers that is a fable. It uses farm animals and their relationships as an allegory for the horrors of dictatorships. In this case, it is primarily dystopian literature and political satire, but the essence of a fable is a substantial part of it and its allegorical design.
Bottom Line
Fables are a “fun” way to get a child to think about what the story is telling them beyond the simple plot. They improve reading comprehension and strengthen critical thinking skills.
