Author: Jean de La Fontaine
Whilst one philosopher tells us that men are constantly the dupes of their own senses, another will swear that the senses never deceive. Both are right. Philosophy truly affirms that the senses will deceive so long as men are content to take upon trust the evidence the senses bring. But if this evidence is weighed, measured, and tested by every available resource of science the senses can deceive no one. * * * * * In England, not long ago, when a large telescope was levelled to observe the moon, the observer was astounded to see what he took to be some new animal in this lovely planet. Everybody was excited about the marvellous appearance. Something had occurred up above there which, without doubt, must betoken great changes of some sort. Who could tell but that all the dreadful wars that were then convulsing Europe had not been caused by it? The king, who patronised the sciences, hastened to the observatory to see the sight, and see it he did. There was the monster right enough! And what was it after all? - Nothing but a poor little mouse that had by some unlucky chance got in between the lenses of the telescope. Here was the cause of all the devastating wars! Everybody laughed....
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 presents a satirical commentary on the human tendency to trust unverified information and the potential chaos that can ensue from such credulity. The poet uses a humorous anecdote as an extended metaphor, illustrating the wide gap between perception and reality when our senses are not critically engaged. The overarching theme of the poem revolves around the idea that our senses can indeed deceive us if we do not approach their evidence with a discerning mind.
The tone of the poem is didactic but light-hearted, utilizing satire to underscore the folly of human nature. The structure of the poem, with its clear progression from philosophical contemplation to the humorous anecdote, serves to drive home the point effectively. One standout literary device employed is dramatic irony – the reader, privy to the true nature of the "monster," can appreciate the irony of the situation while the characters within the narrative remain oblivious until the end. The mouse, an innocuous creature, causing such a widespread panic and misunderstanding, is a powerful symbol of the way minor, unchecked misconceptions can spiral into major deceptions. This poem, in essence, serves as a plea for the application of critical thinking and skepticism in interpreting our sensory experiences.
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.