Philomel And Progne

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
[1]      From home and city spires, one day,      The swallow Progne flew away,      And sought the bosky dell      Where sang poor Philomel.[2]      'My sister,' Progne said, 'how do you do?      'Tis now a thousand years since you      Have been conceal'd from human view;      I'm sure I have not seen your face      Once since the times of Thrace.      Pray, will you never quit this dull retreat?'      'Where could I find,' said Philomel, 'so sweet?'      'What! sweet?' cried Progne - 'sweet to waste      Such tones on beasts devoid of taste,      Or on some rustic, at the most!      Should you by deserts be engross'd?      Come, be the city's pride and boast.      Besides, the woods remind of harms      That Tereus in them did your charms.'      'Alas!' replied the bird of song,      'The thought of that so cruel wrong      Makes me, from age to age,      Prefer this hermitage;      For nothing like the sight of men      Can call up what I suffer'd then.'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This intriguing poem employs anthropomorphism and mythological allusion to explore themes of isolation, trauma, and the power of music. The conversation between the swallow, Progne, and the nightingale, Philomel, references ancient Greek mythology, where Progne and Philomel are sisters who suffer at the hands of Tereus, leading to Philomel's transformation into a nightingale.

The poem's tone is reflective and somber, with the dialogue between the two birds providing a poignant exploration of Philomel's self-imposed isolation due to her traumatic past. The poetry uses the contrast between city and countryside as an analogy for public engagement versus solitude, and underscores the idea that beauty or talent (Philomel's song) can find fulfillment even in seclusion.

The poem's structure, a verse narrative, is effective in maintaining a storytelling flow, while the use of dialogue makes it dynamic and engaging. Notable literary devices include the use of anthropomorphism to provide the birds with human traits and emotions, and allusion to Greek mythology to deepen the narrative. The poem also uses irony in Progne's suggestion that Philomel's songs are wasted on the uncultured countryside, while it's the city, symbolic of civilization, that has inflicted harm on her. In conclusion, the poem is a touching exploration of the healing power of solitude and nature, while subtly critiquing societal hypocrisy.

Understanding Fables

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:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

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.