Which term describes a narrative featuring talking animals primarily to convey moral lessons?

Which term describes a narrative featuring talking animals primarily to convey moral lessons?

• A. Myth
• B. Folk tale
• C. Epistrophe
• D. Fable or legend

Answer: (D)

A fable is a short, instructional narrative in which animals are given human traits and situations to illustrate a moral lesson. The goal is to teach right and wrong through the animals’ actions, often with the moral stated at the end. Myths explain origins, involve gods or supernatural forces, and aren’t primarily about teaching a particular conduct. Folk tales can feature talking animals, but they aren’t defined by delivering a single explicit moral. Epistrophe is a rhetorical device (repetition at the end of clauses), not a narrative form. Legends center on real or legendary figures and events, with focus on heroism or history rather than a succinct moral lesson taught through talking animals. So, the best fit is a fable.

A fable is a short, instructional narrative in which animals are given human traits and situations to illustrate a moral lesson. The goal is to teach right and wrong through the animals’ actions, often with the moral stated at the end.

Myths explain origins, involve gods or supernatural forces, and aren’t primarily about teaching a particular conduct. Folk tales can feature talking animals, but they aren’t defined by delivering a single explicit moral. Epistrophe is a rhetorical device (repetition at the end of clauses), not a narrative form. Legends center on real or legendary figures and events, with focus on heroism or history rather than a succinct moral lesson taught through talking animals.

So, the best fit is a fable.