- Choose one of the following below.
- Read the fable closely and observe how the story reveals the theme. Think of an example from a TV show, book, or movie in which a character learns the same lesson communicated through this fable.
- Write a complete paragraph of at least five original sentences that explains how the fable and your story reveal the same theme.
- Use specific details from each story in your paragraph. Explain how your story choice makes the theme in the fable more modern or new.
- Save your work to your computer or drive.
- Submit your work in 04.05 Thinking About Theme.
04.05 Fables
Source:
Select one of the following fables for your assignment.
Choice 1
The Lion and the Mouse
A Lion was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse said: “If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness.” The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who tied him with strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came and gnawed the rope with his teeth and set him free, exclaiming:
“You made fun of the idea of my ever being able to help you. Now you know that it is possible for even a small Mouse to help a big Lion.”
Theme: Everyone can make a difference.
Choice 2
The Fox and the Crane
A Fox invited a Crane to supper and provided only soup poured into a wide flat bowl. The soup fell out of the long bill of the Crane at every mouthful, and the Fox found this very funny. The Crane, in his turn, asked the Fox to dine with him, and set before her a bowl with a long narrow mouth. The Crane could easily insert his neck and enjoy its contents, but the Fox was unable to eat, because she did not have a long beak to reach the soup. The Crane thought this a fitting punishment for the way the Fox had treated him.
Theme: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Choice 3
The Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
A Wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep, given the watchfullness of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day, it found the skin of a sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside. He put it on over his own fur (so he looked just like a sheep) and strolled down among the sheep. The Lamb that belonged to the Sheep, whose skin the Wolf was wearing, began to follow the Wolf in the Sheep’s clothing; so, leading the Lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal off her, and for some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and enjoying hearty meals.
Theme: Appearances can be deceiving.
