The Role of Fables in Human Life

                 In Edward Clayton's article Aesop, Aristotle, and Animals: The Role of Fables in Human Life he argues how humans are very much like animals but we also have the ability to do so much more. He states the many traits that make all these fables relevant to human life. Clayton states how reasoning is one of the traits that differentiate humans from animals. Also, unlike animals education helps shape children's future characteristics. Claytons argument makes a lot of sense but not many people think of fables this way when reading them. Because the animals are the protagonists of the fables Clayton feels like we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to animals. He states in this article “Why should we choose to act like animals when we can choose not to and when we can create an environment in which acting like an animal is unnecessary (197)”. But many people quickly relate to these fables because they're easier to understand. If the characters are portrayed as humans not many people would want to understand the morals of the story or accept that what had happened to that character can happen to them.

Growing up I always watched movies or heard stories where the animals were the protagonist and not many humans. Not only was watching movies with animals more entertaining but it allowed me to understand stories better. Being that I am an only child there was never that older role model. This also never gave me the opportunity to learn from older siblings mistakes, so my parents always told me stories with lessons in them. Fables were the perfect stories to hear as a kid. It allowed me to actually want to hear the rest of a story and understand it, rather than a story with humans where as a child I could've lost focus. I believe that fables are a perfect way to show kids the right morals and it has actually helped me realize things I wouldn't have at a young age.