Main An Aesop Discussion

Venatius

topic

09:34:12 AM Dec 30th 2011
edited by Venatius

I have to admit, I've wondered this for a long time: Why do we have this phrase? The words "moral" (for a story's intended lesson for the reader) and "fable" (a fantastical story meant to convey a moral - precisely what Aesop was known for) and "parable" (the same thing for non-fantastical) already exist. "An Aesop" is LESS clear, since it could mean a moral, a fable, or a parable. You need context to figure out which. It's also redundant, since clearer terms already exist. It seems like a lingual construct as pointless as adding "head of" to quantities of cattle. I'm not trying to agitate for its removal, mind - the term and the article itself are both probably too widely spread to excise. I'm more just looking for justification for the sake of my own peace of mind.

NimmerStill

11:19:49 PM Apr 23rd 2012
edited by NimmerStill

Good question; I've wondered that myself. The main page seems to admit that there's no justification, but no intention of revising it either. The only marginal justification is that "moral" is a loaded term which is used for this, but also for "socially contractual obligation" and "social custum" as well. But its use in the context of fables is pretty clear and established. And "fable" and "parable" are pretty unambiguous.

abomb30

03:29:37 PM Oct 2nd 2012
edited by abomb30

Plus, Aesop is a name. Using the name Aesop instead of Moral really does not sit well with me for some reason. You'd never say "I guess the Socrates of our story is..."

Kurtulmak

01:57:46 PM Oct 14th 2012
edited by Kurtulmak

This trope's name has been my personal Berserk Button from the moment I first encountered it for all of the above reasons. I really have no idea why it's so grossly misnamed.

MystyrNile

05:31:18 AM May 6th 2013

I agree. It's hard to overstate my dissatisfaction with the trope's name. I say we should change it.

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