"Fable" by Ralph Waldo Emerson: A line-by-line explanation, summary, analysis and Question-Answers

 

"Fable" by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

A line-by-line explanation, summary, analysis and Question-Answers

 

*Line 1: "The mountain and the squirrel"*

- This line sets the stage for a fable-like story involving two characters: a mountain and a squirrel. Fables often feature animals or inanimate objects that represent human qualities or values.

 

*Line 2: "Had a quarrel"*

- This line suggests that the mountain and the squirrel were in conflict or disagreement with each other.

 

*Line 3: "And the former called the latter 'Little Prig.'"*

- Here, the mountain, which is the "former," insults the squirrel by calling it a "Little Prig." This indicates that the mountain looks down on the squirrel and sees it as insignificant or conceited.

 

*Line 4: "Bun replied,"*

- This line introduces the response of the squirrel, referred to as "Bun." The use of "Bun" as a name is a playful and endearing way to refer to the squirrel.

 

*Line 5: "You are doubtless very big;"*

- The squirrel acknowledges the mountain's size, recognizing that it is indeed large.

 

*Line 6: "But all sorts of things and weather"*

- The squirrel begins to present its argument by pointing out that many elements, including "things and weather," contribute to the world.

 

*Line 7: "Must be taken in together,"*

- This line emphasizes the interconnectedness of various elements and the need to consider them collectively.

 

*Line 8: "To make up a year"*

- The squirrel argues that it takes a combination of different factors to create a complete year.

 

*Line 9: "And a sphere."*

- The squirrel extends its argument by asserting that the same principle applies to creating a sphere, which could symbolize the world or the universe.

 

*Line 10: "And I think it no disgrace"*

- The squirrel expresses that it finds no shame in its own role or place in the grand scheme of things.

 

*Line 11: "To occupy my place."*

- The squirrel accepts its position and purpose in the world without feeling inferior or inadequate.

 

*Line 12: "If I'm not so large as you,"*

- The squirrel acknowledges its size compared to the mountain but remains unapologetic about it.

 

*Line 13: "You are not so small as I,"*

- The squirrel reminds the mountain that it is not as insignificant as it might appear.

 

*Line 14: "And not half so spry."*

- The squirrel asserts that it possesses agility and vitality, contrasting this quality with the mountain's immobility.

 

*Line 15: "I'll not deny you make"*

- The squirrel concedes that the mountain has its own unique abilities.

 

*Line 16: "A very pretty squirrel track;"*

- Here, the squirrel compliments the mountain, noting that it creates an aesthetically pleasing "squirrel track," perhaps indicating a path or environment suitable for the squirrel.

 

*Line 17: "Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;"*

- This line conveys a broader philosophical message, suggesting that differences in abilities or talents are part of the natural order and are well-arranged by a wise design.

 

*Line 18: "If I cannot carry forests on my back,"*

- The squirrel humorously acknowledges its inability to perform the same tasks as the mountain, such as carrying forests.

 

*Line 19: "Neither can you crack a nut."*

- The squirrel concludes its argument by pointing out that the mountain is incapable of performing the squirrel's specialized task, such as cracking a nut. This line reinforces the idea that each entity has its unique role and abilities.

 

*Summary:*

In "Fable" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poem presents a dialogue between a mountain and a squirrel. The mountain belittles the squirrel, calling it a "Little Prig." However, the squirrel responds by emphasizing the interconnectedness of various elements in the world, asserting that every entity has its role and purpose. It argues that differences in talents are natural and well-arranged. The poem humorously highlights the unique abilities of both the mountain and the squirrel.

 

*Analysis:*

Emerson's "Fable" explores themes of interconnectedness, acceptance of one's place in the world, and the value of diverse talents. It conveys a message of harmony in nature, where different beings complement each other. The poem reminds us that it's unwise to judge others based on their size or abilities and that each individual or entity plays a vital part in the grand scheme of things. Emerson's writing style in this poem is simple and accessible, making it suitable for conveying a moral lesson or philosophical insight through an engaging narrative.

 

Answer the following questions (SAQ answers):

 

1. Why does the squirrel not consider it a disgrace to occupy his place?

 

Ans. The squirrel doesn't find it a disgrace to occupy its place because it understands the value of its role in the world's natural order.

 

2. What examples of differing talents does the squirrel give in the poem?

 

Ans. The squirrel's examples of differing talents include its ability to crack nuts (which the mountain cannot do) and the mountain's capacity to create a "pretty squirrel track."

 

3. How does the mountain make fun of the squirrel?

 

Ans. The mountain makes fun of the squirrel by calling it a "Little Prig."

 

4. Mention two qualities of the mountain.

 

Ans. Two qualities of the mountain are its large size and its ability to create a "pretty squirrel track."

 

5. Who are referred as 'the former' and 'the latter' in the poem ?

 

Ans. In the poem, 'the former' refers to the mountain, and 'the latter' refers to the squirrel.

 

6. "But all sorts of things and weather/Must be taken in together/To make up a year / And a sphere." - Explain the idea contained in these lines.

 

Ans. These lines convey the idea that a complete year and a spherical world require the combination of various elements and experiences, including different weather conditions and events. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all these elements in forming a whole.

 

7. What is that the squirrel doesn't deny?

 

Ans. The squirrel doesn't deny the mountain's abilities or the "pretty squirrel track" it creates.

 

8. What is the poem about?

 

Ans. The poem is about the acceptance of one's place and the recognition of diverse talents and roles in the natural world.

 

9. "Talents differ; all is well and wisely put" - Explain.

 

Ans. The line "Talents differ; all is well and wisely put" suggests that differences in talents and abilities among various entities in the natural world are part of a well-ordered and wise design. It emphasizes the idea that these differences are harmoniously arranged and serve a purpose in the broader scheme of things.