The Fables of La Fontaine

La Fontaine's fables draw inspiration from various sources, including Aesop's fables and the works of ancient Greek and Roman writers. The collection consists of over 200 fables, each presenting a moral or lesson that reflects human nature, societal issues, and ethical dilemmas. La Fontaine's fables are known for their wit, humor, and keen observations of human behavior. They address a wide range of topics such as greed, hypocrisy, friendship, wisdom, and the consequences of one's actions. The animal characters in the fables often serve as allegorical representations of human traits and tendencies. The fables are written in verse, utilizing a poetic form known as the Alexandrine, which consists of twelve syllables per line. La Fontaine's skillful use of language and his ability to convey complex ideas through simple narratives have made his fables enduringly popular. "The Fables of La Fontaine" has had a significant influence on both French and world literature. La Fontaine's fables have been translated into numerous languages and have been widely read and studied in schools and universities.