Fables

Fables are short stories, often featuring animals, that teach a moral lesson. The tradition of fables in Western culture effectively begins with Aesop in the 6th century BC, though earlier examples exist. These tales typically present a specific behavior to illustrate a general principle of conduct, with the moral often explicitly stated.12

John Gay, an English poet and dramatist, is known for his collection of Fables, published in two series in 1727 and 1738. These brief, octosyllabic illustrations of moral themes often carry a satirical tone. Gay was influenced by contemporary writers like Alexander Pope and was part of the Scriblerus Club, a literary group focused on ridiculing pedantry.3