La Fontaine Fables
Jean de La Fontaine’s Fables: Timeless Lessons from Talking Animals
If you ever thought Aesop had the market cornered on wise-cracking animals with life advice, let me introduce you to Jean de La Fontaine. This 17th-century French literary legend turned morality into an art form, disguising sharp social commentary in charming little animal tales. His fables are basically the original Pixar movies—entertaining for kids but packed with deep life lessons for adults.
Who Was Jean de La Fontaine, and Why Was He Obsessed with Talking Animals?
Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) was a poet and fabulist who found an ingenious way to sneak satire past the powerful elite of Louis XIV’s court. Instead of openly critiquing society (which could land you in trouble), he let foxes, wolves, and ants do the talking. His fables weren’t just whimsical animal tales; they were cleverly veiled commentaries on human nature, political corruption, and social dynamics.
Top Lessons from La Fontaine’s Most Famous Fables
Here’s a look at some of his greatest hits and the takeaways that still apply centuries later:
1. The Fox and the Crow – Flattery Will Get You Nowhere
Summary: A smooth-talking fox convinces a vain crow to drop its cheese by complimenting its (non-existent) singing talent. Lesson: Don’t fall for sweet words—especially if someone wants something from you. Classic 17th-century scam, still relevant in the age of Instagram influencers.
2. The Tortoise and the Hare – Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Summary: Overconfident hare dashes ahead, underestimates his slow-moving competitor, and ends up losing. Lesson: Consistency beats arrogance. Or in modern terms, hustle culture might be overrated—just stay steady and focused.
3. The Wolf and the Lamb – Might Makes Right
Summary: A wolf accuses an innocent lamb of imaginary crimes before devouring it. Lesson: Justice isn’t always fair, especially when the powerful set the rules. Sound familiar? La Fontaine was basically subtweeting 17th-century aristocracy.
4. The Grasshopper and the Ant – Work Now, Party Later
Summary: A lazy grasshopper plays music all summer while the hardworking ant prepares for winter. Guess who survives? Lesson: Preparation is key. But let’s be real—today, the grasshopper would probably monetize his music on YouTube and be fine.
5. The Lion and the Rat – No Act of Kindness is Too Small
Summary: A lion spares a tiny rat’s life, only for the rat to return the favour by gnawing through a hunter’s net. Lesson: Help people, even if they seem insignificant. You never know when you’ll need a favour in return.
Why La Fontaine’s Fables Still Matter
In a world where politicians spin narratives, social hierarchies persist, and people fall for empty flattery, La Fontaine’s fables remain strikingly relevant. His witty, rhythmic verses make serious social critiques digestible (sometimes literally—because food often plays a role in his stories).
So the next time you encounter a sweet-talking fox, an overconfident hare, or a justice-dodging wolf in real life—just remember, La Fontaine called it first.
References:
- La Fontaine, Jean de. Fables choisies, mises en vers (1668-1694).
- Runte, Roseann. The Story of French Literature (1994).
- France, Peter. The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1995).
