Fable
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Summary of the poem
The poem ‘Fable’ is about a
conversation between a squirrel and a mountain. The mountain, proud of its size
and might, starts an argument with the squirrel by calling it a ‘Little Prig’,
a term used for someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to others.
The squirrel, named Bun,
acknowledges the mountain’s size but argues that all things, regardless of
their size, have a purpose and contribute to the world. It emphasizes that
everything must work together to maintain balance.
The squirrel also points
out that while the mountain may be large and powerful, it lacks the agility and
flexibility of the squirrel. The poem effectively conveys the worth of each
creature’s existence and teaches us to appreciate everyone, no matter how
insignificant they appear to us.
Contextual word meaning of the poem 'Fable'.
Fable: A fable is a short tale that teaches a lesson12. In the context of
this poem, the fable is the story of the mountain and the squirrel.
Prig: A prig is someone
who behaves as if they are morally superior to others1. In this poem, the
mountain calls the squirrel a ‘little prig’, indicating that it sees itself as
superior to the squirrel.
Bun: Bun is a name used
for the squirrel in this poem3.
Sphere: In this context, a
sphere refers to the world or universe. The squirrel mentions that all sorts of
things and weather must be taken together to make up a year and a sphere3.
Spry: Spry means active
or lively. The squirrel uses this word to describe its agility and flexibility,
which it believes are qualities that the mountain lacks3.
Track: Here, track refers
to the path or trail left by the squirrel. The mountain acknowledges that the
squirrel makes a very pretty track3.
Who had had a quarrel and over what?
In the poem ‘Fable’ by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the quarrel is between a mountain and a squirrel. The
argument starts when the mountain, proud of its size and might, belittles the
squirrel by calling it a ‘Little Prig’. The squirrel, named Bun, defends itself
by stating that all things, regardless of their size, have a purpose and
contribute to the world. It emphasizes that everything must work together to
maintain balance. The squirrel also points out that while the mountain may be
large and powerful, it lacks the agility and flexibility of the squirrel. So,
the quarrel is essentially about their respective roles and importance in the
world.
Who is little Prig and Bun in the poem?
In the poem ‘Fable’ by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘Little Prig’ and ‘Bun’ are names used for the squirrel.
The mountain, in its pride, refers to the squirrel as a ‘Little Prig’, a term
used for someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to others. ‘Bun’
is a friendly name that the poet uses for the squirrel. So, both ‘Little Prig’
and ‘Bun’ represent the squirrel in the poem. The squirrel defends its worth
and role in the world during its conversation with the mountain.
"I think it no disgrace to occupy my place" - Who thinks
so? and why does one
think so?
In the poem ‘Fable’ by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, it is the squirrel, referred to as ‘Bun’ and ‘Little
Prig’, who says “I think it no disgrace to occupy my place”. The squirrel
asserts this in response to the mountain’s belittlement, emphasizing its
contentment with its own role and existence, regardless of its size. The
squirrel believes that every creature, big or small, has its own important
place in the world. This line reflects the squirrel’s self-respect and
understanding of its own worth.
The squirrel in the poem
‘Fable’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson thinks so because it understands and appreciates
its own worth and role in the world. Despite being small in size compared to
the mountain, the squirrel knows that it has its own unique abilities and
purpose. It recognizes that every creature, regardless of size, contributes to
the balance of nature.
What does 'talent differ' refer to in the poem?
In the poem ‘Fable’ by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the phrase ‘talents differ’ is used by the squirrel to
express the idea that every creature has its own unique abilities or talents.
The squirrel uses this phrase to highlight that while it may not be able to
carry forests on its back like the mountain, the mountain also cannot crack a
nut like the squirrel can. This line emphasizes the importance of recognizing
and appreciating the diverse talents and abilities that each individual
possesses. It teaches us to value and respect these differences rather than
using them as a basis for comparison or judgement.
What is it that the squirrel doesn't deny?
In the poem ‘Fable’ by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the squirrel does not deny that the mountain makes a very
pretty track for it. This means that the squirrel acknowledges the beauty and
grandeur of the mountain, even while asserting its own worth and importance.
It’s a way of saying that every creature or entity, regardless of size or
strength, has its own unique beauty and purpose.
The poem ‘Fable’ is about a
conversation between a squirrel and a mountain. The mountain, proud of its size
and might, starts an argument with the squirrel by calling it a ‘Little Prig’,
a term used for someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to
others.
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