Minds On

A famous fable

Explore the following fable, “The Hare and the Tortoise” that was written by a storyteller named Aesop.

Aesop’s life in mid-6th century BCE is a bit of a mystery. He is credited with writing many stories just like this one.

As you explore the story, consider the following questions:

  • What is the main message or moral of the story?
  • How do you know that this is the main message or moral of the story?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

A Hare was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.

“Do you ever get anywhere?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied the Tortoise, “and I get there sooner than you think. I’ll run you a race and prove it.”

The Hare was much amused at the idea of running a race with the Tortoise, but for the fun of the thing he agreed. So the Fox, who had consented to act as judge, marked the distance and started the runners off.

The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the Tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise should catch up.

The Tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping. But the Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up, the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare now ran his swiftest, but he could not overtake the Tortoise in time. ,

The race is not always to the swift.

Action

Defining fables

The story of “The Hare and the Tortoise” is an example of a fable.

Fables are short stories that are based on a moral or lifelong lesson. Similar to folktales, fables are also part of an oral tradition. This means they are passed on from one person to the next by word of mouth.

Let’s add more shape to our definition by exploring the key elements of a fable. Fables have six key elements:

Fables are written to impart important rules to live by. This is why the stories are short and straightforward or easy to understand.

Fables often have very few characters and each one has a specific trait associated with them. (E.g., shy, outspoken, good, bad, honest, insincere, careless, responsible, and so on).

If the setting of the story is mentioned, it’s typically an easily described setting such as, “One day…” or “Long, long ago….”

A conflict that the characters have to face that is resolved by the end of the story. (The problem and solution are typically connected to the moral of the story.)

Usually in form of human-like and/or talking animals or magical objects.

The moral is a rule to live by and usually stated outright at the end of the story.

More about morals

Examine the following list of morals. Can you think of any others? Add them to the list!

Examples of common morals:

  • hard work pays off
  • honesty is the best policy
  • do the right thing, even when it is hard to do
  • actions are more important than words
  • treat others as you’d like to be treated
  • a kindness is never wasted

Now consider our definition of fables and the morals we’ve explored. Can you recall any other fables you’ve read? If possible, share them with a partner.

Analyzing “The Hare and the Tortoise”

Next, let’s practice finding elements of fables in “The Hare and the Tortoise.”

Complete the following fillable and printable Identifying Elements of a Fable template for “The Hare and the Tortoise.” You can also complete this activity in your notebook or use another method of your choice. You can type, write, use speech-to-text or create an audio recording.

  • A quick reminder: Refer to specific parts of the fable for each element so that your analysis is supported by text evidence.

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Identifying Elements of a Fable. 

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Are you all done identifying the fable elements in “The Hare and the Tortoise”? Press ‘Fable Elements – Answers’ to reveal possible answers to the activity. Compare your responses to this version.

Fable Elements Evidence from the Text
Short and simple This version of “The Hare and the Tortoise” would take only a few minutes to explore from start to finish.
Strong character traits The Hare is fast, and the Tortoise is slow
An easily described setting “There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run.”
Problem and solution The tortoise, named Slow and Steady, grows tired of hearing the Hare brag about how fast he can run so he challenges him to a footrace. The Hare agrees to the challenge but remarks how naturally he is much faster than the slow Tortoise. In fact, the Hare is so confident that he’ll win that he takes several breaks during the race. Meanwhile, Slow and Steady moves steadily toward the finish line. In the end, the Tortoise wins. This goes to show that we can accomplish things when we just keep moving. The moral of the story is: Slow and steady wins the race!
Elements of fantasy Both Hare and Tortoise talk and behave like humans.
Moral of the story “Slow and steady wins the race.”

By breaking down the fable this way, we can identify examples of each element which helps us to better understand the fable.

Consolidation

Create your own fable

Now that we’ve explored the elements of a fable, create an outline for your own fable. You can use the following fillable and printable My Fable Storyboard document or another method of your choice.

Use these questions to guide you as you create your fable:

  1. Select a moral. What is the life lesson or rule to live by that your readers will learn? (You can pick one of the morals from the list in the Action section).
  2. Then, decide who your characters will be. You don’t need more than two characters. What are their character traits? (E.g., good, bad, happy, sad, big, small, etc.)
  3. Next, think about where your story will take place. It can be as simple as “One day…” or “Long ago….”
  4. After that, come up with an element of fantasy. If your characters are animals, will they behave like humans? Is there a magic object involved, like a door or pair of shoes?
  5. Finally, consider your problem and solution. What conflict(s) will your character come across? How will its resolution support the moral you have selected?

My Fable Storyboard Press the ‘Activity’ button to access My Fable Storyboard. Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Let’s reflect

Use the following question to reflect on your learning. Record your responses using a method of your choice:

  • Think about the key elements of a fable we identified. How did that information help you when you returned to the story of “The Hare and the Tortoise”? How did that information help you to create an outline for your own fable?

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next 4 sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.

Use your fable outline to create the first draft of your fable. Again, you can record it using a method of your choice. Then, swap your draft with a partner to edit and review.