After reading Aesop’s Fables I feel that the author was probably poor and came from humble beginnings. It’s hinted but never historically proven in the intro that Aesop was a slave. The lessons from these fables seem to be how he viewed life in his impoverished situation. I noticed recurring themes of greed and poverty in a couple of the stories. Some of the fables speak of the pursuit of more than you need such as the dog dropping his meat when he saw the reflection of a larger meat in the water (The Dog, the Meat, and the Reflection) or the man who killed his hen that lays golden eggs hoping for more gold inside (The Man and the Golden Eggs). Both the dog and the man lost the great thing in their possession by trying to attain more. In “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse” it’s argued that a safe life in poverty is better than a life of wealth with problems. These lessons seem consistent with a slave’s perspective on life and trying to view his situation as better than his master’s. The fable “The Two Hyenas” in my opinion could be directed toward his master because of its lesson that those in position of authority should be kind in how they treat others because one day they might be ruled over as well.
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I agree with Michael’s opinion, that the author was probably from a poor origin. The author was most likely a slave. He tries to point out aspects that make his position be in a better light. Michael nicely highlights this aspect by mentioning “The City mouse and the Country mouse”.
Most of the characters in the stories are animals, which show human characteristics. They are personified in the way they talk and interact with each other. In my opinion, the author tries to take us back to human origins. Another important component is the aspect of wisdom, something he tries to make us think about as well (typical in terms of philosophy – ancient greece).
I also agree with the idea that Aesop was probably a poor person, and that is where he may have drawn inspiration for many of the fables that were written. From reading the fables I feel that Aesop actually prefers a poorer life over living with many luxuries and money. In many fables such as “The Dog, The Meat, and the Reflection”, and “The Crow, The Eagle, and the Feathers” the author relays the message of being grateful for what you already have, with all greed aside. In both fables, the crow and the dog reach for other things because the dog wants more than he already has, and the crow isn’t pleased with the way he looks. Asking for more may consequently put you in a position worse than before.”The Wolf, The Dog, and the Collar” mentions the dog acquiring a bald spot on his neck because of a chain. The irony of this fable is that even though the dog has luxuries that the wolf does not, the wolf is still better off free, while the dog is the one who is tied to the money. So the author being a slave definitely influenced the fables that are written.
It is generally agreed that Aesop was indeed a slave. These fables passed down for centuries do a great job of highlighting some of the more simple, yet overlooked, “rules” of life. I agree with jm166971’s opinion that these fables take us back to human origins, or, at least to the most fundamental human emotions, and try to help us overcome the negativity within these feelings. “The Dog in the Manger”, for example, deals with envy, and many of these fables definitely express the belief that one should appreciate what they are given. However, I don’t necessarily think that Aesop meant to say that one should be just content with their position in life. I also don’t believe he wanted to express that a slave’s life is better than a master’s, as Aesop was known for being a knowledge seeking scholar who earned freedom by constantly seeking to learn and teach. He certainly wanted more than what he was given, but in return, he gave back to the people. Justice.
I agree that although people confuse fables for children stories, they are actually wise. I do not agree that they show how he would prefer being poor over being rich. I don’t think it has to do much about being poor or rich. More like i rather have this characteristic then this one, this is what can happen if you portray this characteristic… etc. For example the boy who cries wolf ( that’s what lying can cause) or like you said the dog who dropped his meat for a bigger piece (greed). I feel like it may be based on the seven deadly sins?
I’m sorry not based, but may be compared to? *