What is a fable?

A fable is defined as a short story that teaches a moral lesson, commonly featuring animals as characters. This storytelling format uses these anthropomorphized animals to convey messages about human behavior, ethics, and morality in a way that is accessible and engaging for readers of all ages, particularly children. The brevity of a fable allows it to effectively communicate its moral without unnecessary complexity, making it memorable. This educational intent behind fables distinguishes them from other literary forms, such as novels, factual reports, or poems, which do not typically convey morals in the same manner. Through simplicity and relatability, fables serve an important role in imparting wisdom and lessons about life.