Use of Animals in Fables
The Use of Animals in Fables A fable is defined as a story that teaches a simple lesson known as a moral and is a common and popular method of passing on instruction. A Fable will usually contain a short narrative and it will seek to convey a hidden meaning by the skillful introduction of made up characters, usually animals. These animals are used to demonstrate human characteristics. Through their action and speech, the animals reveal human weaknesses and character flaws that result in their own devastation or simply teach them the error of their action, therefore demonstrating how human flaws likewise affect lives. ... The purpose of a fable is to create a laugh, but yet, under a cheerful guise of using animals, to convey instruction which gives the reader advice without perceiving the presence of the advisor. Most fables deal with real life situations, usually giving advise on how to survive or how to improve human conduct. Using animals to depict a message is a more subtle way of bringing a powerful meaning across to the reader.