After reading Professor Edward Clayton's thesis paper arguing a largely unpopular view of fables and their interpretations, I am inclined to admit that my eyes have definitely been opened to the subject. Clayton downplays the common, widespread stance that Fables exist to promote strength over all other qualities, and that those who don't possess it must obey and spare themselves the shame or else suffer immensely. Instead, Clayton contends that fables actually exist to promote democracy and equality amongst both people and cities, as opposed to the highly cynical aforementioned stance.
This theory surprised me at first, considering that on the surface view these fables follow a recurring theme of the strong always prevailing over the weak, but as I digested the thought more and used Clayton's various points to fill in the spaces, I couldn't help feeling like I should have known this all along, that just past the outer edge of these seemingly basic animal tales rested the huge underlying theme of social equality amongst the peoples. I relate it to now, the very fact that we still read and study these same fables that were written over 2,000 years ago, I see for myself that these fables must have emanated equality or they would cease to exist.
I also enjoyed the utilization of Greek philosopher Aristotle's numerous ideas and beliefs regarding animals in relation to human beings, and I felt like he was a great choice for supporting details in the sense that Aristotle was a key leader to his people at the time, the very ones who initially created the fables. Just as Clayton states in his essay, Aristotle then becomes a near accurate representation of ancient Greece, and therefore sufficient proof to support the thesis.
All in all, this was an enlightening, well-written piece that certainly changed my views on Fables.
