A fable is a short narrative, usually expressed in poetic form. Its purpose is to reflect the author’s attitude to a particular character, to express some morality, to make fun of vices and shortcomings, both inherent in any particular person, and a large group of people, and even the whole society as a whole.
Not only people can act as heroes of fables, they can also be animals, plants and even objects. In these cases, the author gives them human traits: the ability to speak, character traits, etc. It is easy to understand that a fabulist needs a special talent, because he not only needs to be told “with a few words about a lot, ” but also to do it beautifully, skillfully, having interested the reader. The most famous fabulist of antiquity is the famous semi-legendary Aesop, who lived, according to historians, in the 6th century BC It is difficult to say whether there is more truth or fiction in the information concerning his life. But no doubt, this was a very outstanding, talented person. His witty and vivid prose fables were very popular, had a great influence on the subsequent development of literature. From his own name the concept arose: "Aesopian language." It means that the author of the fable writes it as if allegorically, wanting to hide the true meaning of his words, but at the same time it is clear enough for a smart, insightful reader to understand what this is actually about. At a later time, the fable genre literally blossomed. Of the European authors, undoubtedly, the most striking fabulist was the Frenchman Jean de Lafontaine, who lived in the 17th century. His works, written in brilliant, figurative language, abound in philosophical reasoning and lyrical digressions. Lafontaine described literally all aspects of life, human shortcomings and vices, but at the same time he tried to avoid direct “moralizing”, reproachful edification. His fables are still considered exemplary. In Russia, there were also many skilled fabulists, for example, Trediakovsky, Sumarokov, Dmitriev. But, of course, Krylov is much higher than them (1768 - 1844). First of all, because they are written in an impeccably literary, and at the same time truly folk language, close and understandable to any person. Immortal Krylov’s images - Swan, Cancer, and Pike, who agreed to carry carts with luggage; a thieving fox who undertook to guard other people's hens; stupid smug Monkey who did not know how to use glasses; arrogant insidious Wolf, mistakenly climbed into the kennel; and many others, have long become common nouns, as well as expressions like "things are still there."
