La Fontaine's Fables

Definition

La Fontaine's Fables are a collection of fables written by French poet Jean de La Fontaine, first published in the 17th century. These stories often feature animals as characters and convey moral lessons, reflecting the social values and human behaviors of the time. La Fontaine's work has made a significant impact on the tradition of fable writing, highlighting themes of morality, wisdom, and the complexities of human nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. La Fontaine published his first collection of fables in 1668, which quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple of French literature.
2. His fables often satirize social and political issues of his time, using humor and wit to critique the behavior of both individuals and society as a whole.
3. The structure of La Fontaine's Fables typically includes a brief story followed by a moral lesson, which is often expressed in a concise and memorable way.
4. Many of La Fontaine's fables draw inspiration from earlier sources, including Aesop, but he added his own unique style and depth to the narratives.
5. La Fontaine's influence extends beyond literature; his fables have been adapted into various art forms, including theater, visual arts, and even animation.

Review Questions

• How do La Fontaine's Fables compare to earlier fable traditions like Aesop's Fables in terms of themes and moral lessons?
  • La Fontaine's Fables build upon the foundation laid by Aesop's Fables but often delve deeper into social commentary and human psychology. While Aesop's tales tend to focus on straightforward morals with a clear message, La Fontaine incorporates satire and irony to address complex human behaviors and societal issues. This allows his fables to resonate with readers on multiple levels, making them not just entertaining stories but also thought-provoking reflections on morality.
• What techniques does La Fontaine use in his fables to enhance their moral lessons and engage the reader?
  • La Fontaine employs various literary techniques such as anthropomorphism, allegory, and humor to enhance the moral lessons in his fables. By giving animals human traits and behaviors, he makes the stories relatable while also providing a safe distance for readers to reflect on their own actions. The use of witty dialogue and clever plot twists keeps the reader engaged while delivering profound insights into human nature and society.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of La Fontaine's Fables on modern literature and culture, considering both their themes and narrative style.
  • La Fontaine's Fables have had a profound and enduring impact on modern literature and culture through their innovative storytelling and rich thematic content. His ability to weave humor with moral lessons has influenced countless authors and artists across generations. The themes of justice, power dynamics, and human folly explored in his fables remain relevant today, making them applicable to contemporary social issues. Furthermore, La Fontaine's narrative style set a precedent for future fable writers by blending charm with philosophical depth, ensuring that his works continue to be celebrated and adapted in various forms.

Related terms

Aesop's Fables:

A collection of ancient Greek fables attributed to Aesop that also features anthropomorphic animals and conveys moral lessons.

Allegory:

A narrative that uses symbolic figures, events, or representations to convey deeper moral or political meanings.

Anthropomorphism:

The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, commonly used in fables to create relatable animal characters.