Aesop Fables

Study Aesop's Fables in the Classical Liberal Arts AcademyAesop’s fables have been a key part of the education of children for thousands of years. These fables, however, are not mere children’s stories.  They are important sources of instruction in moral philosophy and examples of the rhetorical mastery of Aesop (6th century BC) and other writers.

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, students begin their lessons in moral philosophy by the study of Aesop’s fables.  Students read hundreds of fables and complete written assessments that help them to develop and demonstrate their mastery of the lessons.  Most importantly, they learn how to study the fables, interpret them rightly and articulate their moral lessons.

To assist the students in these lessons, I provide explanations of the moral lessons and significance of the characters chosen by Aesop in each fable.  These lessons are intended to help the children learn to study fables, not to restrict their understanding of them to a specific interpretation or application.

While the fables are studied by children in the Academy, we strongly encourage adult students to avoid overlooking Aesop’s fables in their own studies.  The fables are simple enough for children to enjoy, but they are profound enough to supply endless content for the meditation of adults.

If you would like to study Aesop’s fables with us, enroll in the Academy Aesop’s Fables course in the CLAA Study Center.

God bless your studies,
William C. Michael, Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
mail@classicalliberalarts.com

Aesop’s Fables, Lesson 09. The Dog and His Shadow

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A Dog, bearing in his mouth a piece of meat that he had stolen, was crossing a smooth stream by means of a plank. Looking in, he saw what he took to be another dog carrying another piece of meat. Snapping greedily to get this as well, he let go the meat that he had, and lost it in the stream. Exposition In this fable, we see there’s only one character – the dog. Many students wrongly identify the moral of this fable because they ignore one important detail. We read that a dog is bearing or carrying in his … Continue

The Wolf and the Lamb, by Aesop

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In this lesson, we study Aesop’s Fable of “The Wolf and the Lamb”. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the fable for mastery, being careful to learn all of the details of the fable. Study the lesson exposition below. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson A hungry Wolf one day saw a Lamb drinking at a stream, and wished to frame some plausible excuse for making him his prey. “What do you mean by muddling the water I am going to drink?” fiercely said he to the Lamb. “Pray forgive me,” meekly answered the Lamb; … Continue

The Two Frogs, a Fable by Aesop

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In this lesson, we study Aesop’s Fable of “The Two Frogs”. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the fable for mastery, being careful to learn all of the details of the fable. Study the lesson exposition below. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson One hot summer, the lake in which two Frogs lived was completely dried up, and they were obliged to set off in search of water elsewhere. Coming to a deep and deliciously cool well, one of the Frogs proposed that they should jump in at once. “Wait a bit.” cried the other; … Continue

The Cock and the Jewel

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In this lesson, we study Aesop’s Fable of “The Two Frogs”. To complete the objectives of this lesson, complete the following tasks: Study the fable for mastery, being careful to learn all of the details of the fable. Study the lesson exposition below. Complete the lesson assessment. Lesson A brisk young Cock scratching for something with which to entertain his favorite hens, happened to turn up a jewel. Feeling quite sure that it was something precious, but not knowing well what to do with it, he addressed it with an air of affected wisdom as follows:—” You are a very … Continue

Enjoy the Wisdom of Aesop’s Fables

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The need for wise moral teaching is more important than ever for our families. We need to be immersed in wholesome moral lessons, which supply with constant content for discussion and meditation. One of the best sources history provides us with is Aesop’s Fables. In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we offer students the opportunity to study Aesop’s Fables and provide lesson videos, graded assignments, student records and expert support. A sample lesson is available above. He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise. Proverbs 13:20 Our course on Aesop’s Fables is one of our most popular courses. To … Continue

The Stag Looking into the Pool

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A Stag drinking at a clear pool, admired the handsome look of his spreading antlers, but was much displeased at the slim and ungainly appearance of his legs. “What a glorious pair of branching horns!” said he. “How grace fully they hang over my forehead! What an agreeable air they give my face! But as for my spindle-shanks of legs, I am heartily ashamed of them.” The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when he saw some huntsmen and a pack of hounds making towards him. His despised legs soon placed him at a distance from his followers, but, … Continue

The Lion Hunting with Other Beasts

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A Lion, a Heifer, a Goat, and a Sheep once agreed to share whatever each might catch in hunting. A fine fat stag fell into a snare set by the Goat, who thereupon called the rest together. The Lion divided the stag into four parts. Taking the best piece for himself, he said, “This is mine of course, as I am the Lion;” taking another portion, he added, “This too is mine by right—the right, if you must know, of the strongest.” Further, putting aside the third piece, “That’s for the most valiant,” said he; “and as for the remaining … Continue