6
Aesop
Textbook: pp. 33–35
GoalLearn who Aesop was and what a fable (masal) is.
New words
fable · masallesson, moral · ibratfigurative, symbolic · majoziycharacter, hero · qahramon
Explanation
Aesop is thought to have lived in the 6th century BC. According to tradition he was a slave brought from Phrygia who won fame in Greece for his intelligence and quick wit. Because what we know about his life comes mostly from later legends, we treat it with care. About 500 fables are linked with his name. A fable (masal) is a short symbolic story; its characters are often animals or objects that stand for human character. The main aim of a fable is upbringing – to give a lesson.
Worked examples
Example: if a fox in a fable shows cunning and a lamb a simple person, these are symbolic characters.
Example: “to speak in Aesop’s language” means to say an idea not directly but through a story.
Class activity
“Image – meaning”: write five animals (lion, fox, wolf, lamb, tortoise) and guess which human trait each could stand for in a fable.
Practice
1
When is Aesop thought to have lived?
In the 6th century BC.
2
Who are the characters of a fable?
Often animals and objects.
3
State the main aim of a fable.
Upbringing, giving a lesson.
4
Why is information about Aesop’s life treated with care?
Because it comes from later legends.