When reading these Aesop fables, I noticed a pattern to most of the stories: introduction, conflict, twist, and moral. A couple in particular stood out to me:
Androcles and the Lion shows the power of empathy through the use of a plethora of literary devices. Traditionally, the lion's symbolism imposes power and strength; however, in this tale, the lion is represented in a vulnerable and unexpected weak state. Jacobs invokes this through the imagery of the sounds the lion is making. The "moaning and groaning" presents a great contrast to the well-known and intimidating roaring of a lion. The thorn in the lion's paw perhaps also represents great passion and sorrow, similar to the biblical symbol of the crown of thorns Jesus wore. Because the slave had previously experienced feeling trapped and hurt before escaping his owner, he was able to empathize with the lion's defenseless state, despite the fear of the stereotypical beast. After the good deed, the lion is compared to a dog, implying a reciprocated sense of loyalty towards each other. The consistent loyalty and control the lion showed by providing meals to Androcles, was a twist in the plot I did not expect. The strength of the lion is not shown by him ripping man into shreds, but instead, by displaying his strength to suppress his predatory nature. The discipline and faithfulness is exemplified when even deprived of food and provoked to harm the one again captured slave. And the moral?— man and beast can live in harmony if they have the moral compass.
The Lion and the Mouse reveals a fault in the lion's entitled judgements. Similar to Androcles and the Lion, the story involves a moment of weakness for, as the mouse calls him, "the king." The mouse is introduced as a foolish creature for testing the lion, yet the mouse is released while teased and mimicked by the lion for pledging a favor in exchange. The lion even finds the idea of this tiny mouse able to help him humorous. However, the lion is mistaken when only a creature as small as the mouse is able to save the lion from a trap by gnawing on the trap's ropes. This story's lesson shows how every living creature has a purpose and use in this world, no matter the look or size. This theme reminded me of David and Goliath told in the Old Testament.
Bibliography: Joseph Jacobs, Androcles and the Lion (link); Joseph Jacobs, The Lion and the Mouse (link)
Androcles and the Lion shows the power of empathy through the use of a plethora of literary devices. Traditionally, the lion's symbolism imposes power and strength; however, in this tale, the lion is represented in a vulnerable and unexpected weak state. Jacobs invokes this through the imagery of the sounds the lion is making. The "moaning and groaning" presents a great contrast to the well-known and intimidating roaring of a lion. The thorn in the lion's paw perhaps also represents great passion and sorrow, similar to the biblical symbol of the crown of thorns Jesus wore. Because the slave had previously experienced feeling trapped and hurt before escaping his owner, he was able to empathize with the lion's defenseless state, despite the fear of the stereotypical beast. After the good deed, the lion is compared to a dog, implying a reciprocated sense of loyalty towards each other. The consistent loyalty and control the lion showed by providing meals to Androcles, was a twist in the plot I did not expect. The strength of the lion is not shown by him ripping man into shreds, but instead, by displaying his strength to suppress his predatory nature. The discipline and faithfulness is exemplified when even deprived of food and provoked to harm the one again captured slave. And the moral?— man and beast can live in harmony if they have the moral compass.
Androcles removing the thorn, Wikimedia
Bibliography: Joseph Jacobs, Androcles and the Lion (link); Joseph Jacobs, The Lion and the Mouse (link)
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