Author: Walter Crane
Against Cat sat a Council of Mice. Every Mouse came out prompt with advice; And a bell on Cat's throat Would have met a round vote, Had the bell-hanger not been so nice. The Best Policy Often Turns On An If
Type of Poem: Fable
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a classic example of a limerick, a form of poetry known for its humorous and often playful tone. It presents a clever narrative revolving around a group of mice that, despite their fear, muster up the courage to devise a plan against a cat. The predominant themes here are fear, strategy, and the uncertainty of outcomes, underlined by a tone that is both playful and subtly ominous.
The poet employs a tight rhythmic structure, common to limericks, to carry forward the story swiftly, adding to the humor and wit. The rhyme scheme (AABBA) is also a characteristic feature of a limerick, further enhancing the playful tone of the poem. The use of anthropomorphism—attributing human characteristics to non-human entities—provides a charming twist to the narrative, allowing readers to appreciate deeper, human-centric themes of strategy and potential failure.
The concluding line, "The Best Policy Often Turns On An If," serves as a punchline, but also subtly underlines the theme of uncertainty in life. It suggests that, even with the best-laid plans, outcomes are not always guaranteed—a message that, while delivered in a light-hearted manner, carries a significant weight of truth. Overall, the poem is an entertaining narrative that cleverly uses the limerick form to convey a profound message.
A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.
Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:
From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.