The Concept of Progymnasmata - Essay Example

Aesop's Fables formed an important part of the learning process and constituted a significant expression of various moral lessons and the real character of man, evil, and righteousness (Robinson and Baum 45). Taking an example of the fables that were highlighted under Aesop's it can be noted that several rhetoric and literary tools were used to attract the attention of the audience. The Miller, his son, and their Ass Is an example of a fable in which an old man and his son are approaching the city with their ass. On their way, they meet three groups of people on different occasions and each seems to be surprised by their way of the journey (Aesop 76-9). Their first encounter with a group of women who are surprised at the old man his son walking when they can ride the donkey. These women’s sentiments convince the old man to mount his son on the ass. Just before they can go far, another group of old men come by them and express their disappointment at the boy riding the ass while the old man should be the one to rest his limbs. At this point, the old man brings the son down and mounts the ass. A few minutes later they meet with a group of women and children who criticizes the old man for being uncaring to the young boy by riding alone on the ass. This makes the old man call the lad up and both rides on the ass. They have not gone far and another citizen wonders how two people can oppress an ass while they should carry it and the old man abides by tying the ass and carrying it with the help of the son. This free drama attracts a crowd who begins to make noise and the donkey breaks off into the water. The old man has lost his donkey for listening to various people.

A critical analysis of this fable presents various moral lessons. Society has various characters that hold a diverse opinion on different circumstances. Considering the experience of the old man, it can be noted that listening to people may be misleading in various cases (Aesop 56-7).