After reading Aesop, Aristotle, and Animals: The Role of Fables in Human
Life, I found it really interesting on how these
different tales could be deciphered. The way they tried to correlate animals to
humans was very interesting. Even back then, strength and wealth was associated
with who had power. We can see that even now it still holds to be true. The
story that interested me most was the one with the snake and frogs. The way I
saw it, the frogs were trying to do the best they could to help, but the snake
only cared to have help that had power. Although we live in a society that
people get to vote and give opinions freely, I still feel people with upper
power get the upper hand and choose what makes up society. Some voices from
minorities still don’t get heard, although they should be heard.
I find it interesting how Aristotle
compares human’s nature to those of animals. Aristotle doesn't deny the fact
that we are indeed animals. Through the use of fables, Aristotle feels that
they could be used in a political aspect. Now of course it isn’t to say that
animals would be used to explain politics, but the messages behind these tales
can really be used to make points. The story of the wolf and the lamb for
example, can be used to show how people can be so unreasonable and liars. “In
this fable, then, power, wickedness and malice triumph over weakness, innocence
and honesty”(p. 180). This could be used to emphasize the fact that thing
should be done for unfair treatments. Even now, if stories like that were be
used to make political points, I believe it’s very reasonable. Fables are meant
to teach lessons, although some may not be lessons that you may expect. Some lessons
are not great ones, in order to show us what NOT to do.
Your response was well-written, and I agree with your perspective. I like how you compared the story with the snake and frogs to our modern day political system, and the way it represents people of lesser power.
ReplyDelete