Fables are fictional stories in fairy tales that describe human behavior like animals (Kemdikbud Team, 2017, p. 201). Etymologically, fable comes from the Latin word fabular, which means talking or telling a story. It can also be said that what is a fable is a story about the life of animals that behave like humans, which are closely related to giving moral messages and other noble values (Tim Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 194).
Fable is a type of fiction, meaning it is not based on real life, but still reflects reality. Animal characters in fables are considered to represent human characters and are told to act like humans but still not lose their characters as animals.
Fable Structure
Fable is also a derivative of narrative text, so the structure, characteristics, elements, and linguistic rules have many similarities. However, some special aspects characterize the introduction of story situations (exposition, orientation),
In this section, the author introduces the characters, and the relationships between the characters, to arrange the scenes that will lead them to the plot of events.
- Orientation, The first part of a fable story usually introduces the character, setting of the place, and time.
- Complications, part where conflicts or problems between one character and another begin to emerge and move towards the climax or the peak of the conflict.
- Climax, the peak of the conflict or the most thrilling part of the complications that have occurred.
- The resolution, is the solution to the problem that has occurred.
- Coda, an optional part in the form of conclusions and comments on the lessons learned from fables.
Fable Characteristics
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 199), the characteristics of fables are as follows.
- Fables take the characters of the animals.
- The character of the animal characters is described as good and some bad (like human character).
- Animal characters can talk like humans.
- Stories have a series of events that show cause-and-effect events. The cause-and-effect sequence is ordered from beginning to end.
- Fables use natural settings (forests, rivers, ponds, etc.).
Fable Language Rules
Meanwhile, the features or linguistic rules used in fables are as follows.
- In the text of fable stories, adverbs of place and adverbs of time are usually used together with prepositions. The writing of prepositions is separated from the words that follow, such as: in the forest, it is different from being eaten (not a preposition).
- Using the articles si and sang as in words the crow or the duck, the article is a kind of determining or limiting word located in front of a noun or adjective. Articles do not have meaning (Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 230).
- Narrative/event sentences (Frogs come to fish in the rain, ants store food in holes).
- Direct sentences in the form of dialogue of the characters.
- Using everyday words (conversational language) in informal situations (Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 199).
Fable Elements
Like other narrative texts, fables also have elements that characterize fable texts. The following elements make fables (Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 200).
1. FigureA character (animal) becomes the actor in the story (protagonist, antagonist, main character, or supporting character). The main character traits are: (1) often discussed; (2) appears frequently; and (3) being the center of the story (moving the storyline). Supporting characters are additional characters.
2. CharacterizationsIs giving character to the character. Characters can be protagonists/favorites or antagonists/dislikes. The character's character can be inferred from the physical description, the description of the character's actions, the dialogue of the character, the monologue, or the author's comments/narrative towards the character.
3. Setting or backgroundIs the place and time of events and the atmosphere in the story. There are three types of setting, namely setting of the place, setting of time, and social setting.
4. ThemeIt is the idea that underlies the story. The theme can be found from the key sentences expressed by the characters or the conclusion of the overall cause-and-effect events in the story.
5. MandateThe message conveyed by the author is indirect. The message is concluded from the writer's attitude towards the problems raised in the story.
Fable Type
If viewed from the character and setting, fable can be divided into:
1. Natural fableThis type uses the character of animal characters as in real natural conditions. For example, the tortoise was given a sluggish disposition, and the lion was fierce and ferocious. In addition, natural fables use nature as a backdrop (forests, rivers, ponds, etc.).
2. Adaptation fableIt is a fable that gives character to the character by changing the original character in the real world and using other places as a setting (at home, on the road). For example, a shy hedgehog has a birthday at a restaurant.
Meanwhile, if viewed from the appearance of the message, fables can be divided into:
1. Fable with codaMeans fable by explicitly appearing or giving the author's message at the end of the story.
2. Fable without codaOn the other hand, a fable without a coda does not provide an explicit message, or there is no author's message at the end of the story. The reader is left to conclude for himself the message and message contained in the story.
Fable Example
The Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 209) stated that one example of a fable is as follows.
Kind Elephant
Orientation
It was a very hot day in the forest. The residence of the Mouse Deer, Elephant, and others seemed to be on fire. The mouse deer is thirsty. He walked around looking for water.
Complications – Climax
On the way, he saw a pond with very clear water. Without thinking, he immediately plunged into the pool. Kancil's actions were very reckless. He didn't think how he would get up. The mouse deer tried to climb up several times, but he couldn't get to the top.
The mouse deer couldn't do anything. He just screamed for help. The deer's scream was heard by the Elephant, who happened to pass by the place. "Hey, who's in that pool?"
"I... the mouse deer is your best friend." The mouse deer was silent for a moment looking for a reason so that the Elephant would help him.
"Help me lift this fish."
"Really, you got fish?"
'Right..true! I got a very big fish."
The Elephant thought for a moment. It could be that it goes down easily, but what if it goes up later. "You want to use me, huh, Cil? You will deceive me for your own sake and safety?" Ask the Elephant.
Kancil was silent.
"Sometimes you have to be taught a lesson," said the Elephant as he left the place.
The Elephant did not listen to the Kancil's scream. Kancil began to despair. The longer he was in that place, and the mouse deer began to feel cold. Until late afternoon no animal heard his screams.
"Oh bad! I'm really going to be stiff in this place." He thinks it is this karma as he often pranks his friends.
Resolution
Not long, suddenly, the Elephant appeared again. Kancil asked for help back.
"How's Ciel?"
"Help me. I promise I won't be pranking again" "Promise?" Elephant stressed.
"Now, are you awake? And will promise not to cheat, ignorant, pranks and actions that harm other animals?"
"That's right, Mr. Elephant, I really promise."
The Elephant stretched out its long trunk to catch the mouse deer and lifted it up. As soon as he was above, the mouse deer said.
"Thank you, Mr. Elephant! I will never forget your kindness."
coda
Since then, Mouse Deer has become a very good animal. He no longer acts as he had done to bears and other animals. Indeed, we must be careful when we act. If you're not careful, you'll get hurt. If we are careful, we will be safe. It can even save other people.
Examples of fables and their structures with various types and other themes can be seen in the link below:
Read also: Examples of Fable Stories and Their Structures (VariousTypes and Themes)
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