Reading Notes: Aesops Fables (Reading A)

The Wolf In Sheeps Clothing, by Joseph Jacobs: this is the typical story of deception. It is refreshing to read stories that you have heard before because you know exactly where they are going. This is a simple story but truly holds such a great and important meaning. Deception will lead to harm and destruction, not always as major as losing a life, but harm and destruction nonetheless. I think it is cool how the author included the fact that the wolf was having trouble because the shepherd and the dogs were doing such a good job; I feel like this aspect of this story is often left out.

The Hart and the Hunter, by Joseph Jacobs: I liked the deer stories because I feel like deer are not used very often in storytelling. They are gentle creatures, but are vulnerable in many stories so I think they are easily forgotten. I had never read this story before, but it was one of my favorites of the week. I think the message it sends is so important, especially to college students today. The grass is always greener on the other side; it is very rare that someone would describe their life as being perfect. What you envy of someone else may be the thing that causes them distress or low self-esteem, just like how the deer's antlers caused him to get stuck and ultimately shot.

The Four Oxen and the Lion, by Joseph Jacobs: My dad showed me a video of animals in Africa the other day. It showed a lion chasing after a herd of buffalo and capturing one of the babies. When the herd of buffalo realize this, they turn immediately and take on the lion until they win their baby back. Even though buffalo are normally prey to lion, when they stood together the lion did not stand a chance. This is quite similar to the story of the four oxen and the lone lion. It is also true of human beings most of the time in a more emotional sense. When you have others supporting you, it is easy to feel more confident and capable, but when you feel alone, these feelings can be more difficult to muster.

Female roaring lion. Wikimedia