Akre University for Applied Sciences

College of Education
English Language Department
First Stage - Evening
**** Group A ****

A Fable

Set by: Omer Mohammed Tahir

Supervised by: Mr. Hushiyar

2023-2024
Contents

 Introduction 3

 Where did fables originate?

 Elements of fable 5

 Types of fable 6

 Impacts of fables on education

 Characteristics of fable 8

 The famous fable writers 9

 Important of fables for kids 10

 Conclusion 11

 References 12

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Introduction:

A fable is a short story that usually features animals, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature that can

speak and act like humans. Fables typically include a moral or a lesson to be learned at the end. Prominent

examples of fables include Aesop's

fables and tales from other cultures

around the world.

The plot of a fable includes a

simple conflict and a resolution,

followed by a maxim. Fables feature

anthropomorphized animals and

natural elements as main characters.

The moral of a fable—an overarching

rule to live by that transcends the

specifics of the story—is usually stated at

the end. For example, in the fable of the wolf and the sheep, a wolf in sheep’s clothing is able to infiltrate

the sheep’s pasture without raising any alarm, and easily make a meal out of the sheep. The moral of the

story is that appearances can be deceiving.

Fables have been passed down through generations and across cultures, providing wisdom and insight into

the human experience through entertaining and relatable storytelling. These timeless tales serve as a

means to impart moral values and principles in an accessible and captivating manner.

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Where did fables originate?

The word “fable” comes from the Latin “fabula,” or “story.” Most Western fables come from the famous

fabulist Aesop, who wrote in ancient Greece. In ancient Greek education, students were taught fables and

encouraged to make up and recite their own. Some of Aesop’s fables originate from India during the first

millennium BCE.

Fables have a long European history.

In the seventeenth century, French

fabulist Jean de la Fontaine was

inspired by Aesop to write fables

that satirized the church, the court,

and the ruling class of the time. De

la Fontaine considered the moral to

be the core element of the fable.

Many European writers were

inspired by de la Fontaine, including

the Russian fabulist Ivan Krylov.

Traditionally, fables are written to

teach children their culture’s appropriate behavior and values, but there are some exceptions. For

example, George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm has some characteristics of a fable, even though it

was a satire written for adults.

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Elements of Fable:

— Fables typically include the following elements:

1. Moral lesson: Fables usually have a moral or a lesson that is conveyed through the story. This moral is
often stated explicitly at the end of the fable.

2. Anthropomorphism: Animals or other non-human characters are often used to represent human
qualities or traits in fables. This anthropomorphism makes it easier for readers to connect with the
characters and understand the message of the story.

3. Simple plot: Fables typically have simple and straightforward plots that focus on conveying the moral
lesson rather than complex storylines.

4. Personification: Aside from using animals to represent human traits, objects or natural elements can
also be personified in fables. This literary device helps emphasize the moral lesson or theme of the story.

5. Dialogue: Fables often include dialogue between the characters to tell the story and convey the moral
message. The dialogue is usually concise and serves to move the plot forward.

6. Repetition: Fables may use repetition of phrases or events to emphasize the moral lesson or to create a
sense of rhythm in the storytelling.

7. Twist ending: Many fables have a twist ending or a surprise conclusion that highlights the moral of the
story in a clever or unexpected way.

— Overall, fables are known for their brevity, simplicity, and ability to teach important life lessons through
engaging storytelling.

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Types of Fable:

Many times, we classify the fables all the same. But the truth is that
there are different types of them. Some common types of fables include:

1. Animal fables: These are fables where animals act like humans and

often teach moral lessons. Examples include Aesop's fables,

such as "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Fox and the Grapes."

2. Fairy tale fables: These fables combine elements of

traditional fairy tales with moral lessons. The characters in fairy

tale fables might include magical creatures like fairies or talking animals.

3. Mythological fables: These fables draw on elements of mythology and folklore to tell stories with moral

themes. Characters in mythological fables might include gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.

4. Modern fables: These contemporary fables use modern settings and characters to convey moral lessons
or social commentary.

5. Inert things: Whether objects or things, these too can be part of fables. In this case, an example might
be the Tin Soldier, an inanimate toy yet telling a story.

6. Human fables: They can also occur, where, in this case, human beings are the protagonists of the story
and those who tell what happens to them. In this case, humans are related to other humans, animals, gods,
inert beings ... In reality they are not limited to other characters.

Overall, fables are diverse in their themes and characters but share the common element of using

storytelling to teach lessons or impart wisdom.

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Impacts of fables on education:

— Fables have been used for centuries as a powerful tool for education, particularly in teaching moral

lessons and critical thinking skills. Here are some impacts of fables on education:

1. Moral lessons: Fables often convey moral lessons in a simple and engaging manner. Through the

characters and stories in fables, students can learn important values such as honesty, kindness,

perseverance, and the consequences of one's actions.

2. Critical thinking skills: Fables require readers to think critically about the characters, plot, and underlying

messages. They encourage students to analyze situations, make inferences, and draw connections between

the story and real-life situations.

3. Language development: Fables are great for language development as they often use rich vocabulary

and figurative language. Students can improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and language

skills by reading and discussing fables.

4. Cultural awareness: Fables are often rooted in cultural traditions and provide insights into different

cultures and societies. By reading fables from around the world, students can gain a better understanding

of different cultures and perspectives.

5. Imagination and creativity: Fables spark imagination and creativity in students as they explore

fantastical worlds and characters. Students can create their own fables, using their creativity to craft stories

with moral lessons.

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Overall, fables play a valuable role in education by engaging students, fostering moral development,

enhancing critical thinking skills, and promoting cultural awareness. They are a timeless and effective way

to teach important lessons in an engaging and accessible format.

Characteristics of fable:

Fables include some specific characteristics:

Characteristics of
Explanation
fables

Does not include complex details and is not overly lengthy. This is

Fables are short and simple perhaps because fables are meant to teach moral values to children,

so the stories are easily comprehensible.

Fables tend to teach a moral

lesson at the end, which may or Having lessons at the end helps to emphasise the message to the

may not be condensed into a reader.

proverb

The morally good character is Explains the qualities of justice and fairness to children and teach

rewarded, while the morally them that good behavior is appreciated while bad behavior can bring

bad character is punished harm.

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 Animals, birds, plants, beasts, or forces of nature, such as wind and
Fables are typically set in the
rain are featured. Animals in particular are granted human qualities
countryside
to help allegories the moral message.

The famous fabulist:

1. Aesop: Ancient Greek storyteller credited with creating many

well-known fables.

2. Jean de La Fontaine: French poet known for his collections of

fables, including "Fables Choisies."

3. Hans Christian Andersen: Danish author famous for his fairy

tales, some of which contain elements of fable-like storytelling.

4. Phaedrus: Ancient Roman fabulist who adapted and

translated many of Aesop's fables.

5. Bidpai (or Pilpay) : Indian fabulist known for his collection of

animal fables, which later spread to other cultures.

6. Leo Tolstoy: Russian writer who wrote a number of fables,

including "The Lion and the Bull."

7. Ambrose Bierce: American writer and journalist known for his

satirical and often cynical fables.

8. George Orwell: British author famous for his allegorical fable

"Animal Farm."

9. Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian: French poet who wrote fables

and pastoral stories.

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10. Rudyard Kipling: British author known for his fables and stories featuring animals, such as "The Jungle

Book."

This list includes writers from various time periods and cultures who have made significant contributions to

the genre of fables.

Important of fables for kids:

Fables not only help pass along moral lessons, they have a number of benefits for kids and can be used in a
variety of ways to help young and emerging readers:
1. Learn about other cultures
2. Model character traits
3. Appreciate other traditions

4. Explore new ways of seeing the world

5. Discover a love of stories

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When kids explore fables like those included in 40 Fun Fables: Tales That Trick, Tickle and Teach,
Noodlehead Stories or our Story Cove picture books, it's helpful to keep in mind that even during periods of
turmoil, these tales continue to pass along timeless truths from a range of cultural traditions.
Last but not least, maybe the most important reason for sharing fables is simply because they're fun! Even
though these stories were originally intended to model a moral lesson, they're also meant to be humorous,
with whimsical characters and plots that are quite clever. Remember, if fables weren't so engaging, they
wouldn't have survived hundreds and in some cases thousands of years, so pick up a book of fables and
share the fun!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, fables are timeless narratives that

have played a significant role in cultures around the

world for centuries. Originating from ancient times,

they serve as vehicles for conveying moral lessons

and universal truths through engaging storytelling.

With anthropomorphized characters and simplified

plots, fables appeal to audiences of all ages,

particularly children, who benefit greatly from the

moral education, language development.

The impact of fables on education is profound,

offering educators and parents a valuable tool for
teaching children essential values and principles.
Through the imaginative worlds of animal, mythical,
or object characters, children learn to navigate complex moral dilemmas and gain insights into human
behavior and societal norms.

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Famous fable writers like Aesop, Jean de La Fontaine, and Hans Christian Andersen have left enduring
legacies, enriching literary traditions with their timeless tales. Their contributions have shaped the genre of
fables and continue to inspire generations of readers worldwide.
Overall, the importance of fables for kids cannot be overstated. Beyond their entertainment value, fables
serve as invaluable tools for moral education, language development, and critical thinking, laying the
groundwork for ethical, compassionate, and intellectually curious individuals.

References:

augusthouse.com

britannica.com

wikipedia.org

gemini.google.com

study.com

masterclass.com

ChatGPT

actualidadliteratura.com

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