“A Fable” by Mark Twain: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Fable” by Mark Twain

“A Fable” by Mark Twain first appeared in December 1909 in Harper’s Magazine, that shows a cast of animals encountering an unfamiliar object, each interpreting it through the lens of their own experiences. This core theme of subjective perception resonated with audiences, and the work’s satirical wit and social commentary established it as a valuable addition to school curriculums. Often included alongside other Twain pieces that explored human nature and societal shortcomings, “A Fable” provides a relatable framework for students to engage with these critical themes.

Main Events in “A Fable” by Mark Twain

1. The Artist’s Perception:
   The story begins with an artist admiring his painting in the mirror, believing it enhances the beauty of the artwork.
2. Spread of Gossip:
   The housecat, revered for its knowledge and refinement, shares this news with animals in the woods, sparking curiosity.
3. Curiosity and Questions:
   The animals are intrigued by the concept of a picture and a mirror, seeking understanding of these new ideas.
4. Description of Beauty:
   The cat describes the picture as flat yet enchantingly beautiful, arousing the animals’ desire to see it.
5. Doubts and Skepticism:
   The ass raises doubts, suggesting skepticism when excessive adjectives are used to describe beauty.
6. Determination to Verify:
   To settle the debate, the animals send the ass to inspect the mirror and report back his findings.
7. Failed Verification Attempts:
   Despite multiple attempts by different animals, each sees only its own reflection in the mirror, not the purported beauty.
8. Frustration and Confusion:
   The animals become frustrated and confused as each witness reports seeing only themselves in the mirror.
9. Anger and Accusation:
   The elephant, frustrated by the conflicting reports, accuses the subjects of lying and displays anger toward the cat.
10. Moral Reflection:
    The cat concludes with a moral, emphasizing the subjective nature of perception and the tendency to see what one wants to see, echoing the story’s theme of perspective.

Literary Devices in “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Allegory	The animals represent different aspects of human behavior.	The animals in the story symbolize various human traits and characteristics, such as curiosity, skepticism, and pride, allowing Twain to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons through their actions.
Metaphor	“It is a hole in the wall.”	Twain metaphorically describes the mirror as a “hole in the wall,” highlighting its function as a reflective surface while also emphasizing the simplicity of its appearance.
Simile	“He stood between the picture and the mirror like an ass.”	This simile compares the ass’s positioning to that of an ass, implying foolishness and ignorance, thus emphasizing the character’s lack of understanding or insight.
Irony	The animals’ inability to see the beauty in the mirror.	The irony lies in the fact that the animals, despite their eagerness to see the beauty described by the cat, are unable to recognize it when looking in the mirror, highlighting the theme of subjective perception.
Foreshadowing	The bear’s doubt about the beauty of the picture.	The bear’s skepticism foreshadows the animals’ eventual disappointment when they fail to see the beauty in the mirror, hinting at the story’s outcome and the potential for disillusionment.
Personification	“The cat explained.”	Personification attributes human characteristics, such as the ability to explain, to the cat, emphasizing its role as a knowledgeable and influential figure among the animals.
Symbolism	The mirror represents the subjective nature of perception.	The mirror symbolizes the way individuals perceive reality differently based on their own biases and perspectives, highlighting the theme of subjective truth and the limitations of objective observation.
Hyperbole	“A whole basketful of sesquipedalian adjectives.”	Twain exaggerates the use of adjectives to describe the beauty of the picture, employing hyperbole to emphasize the absurdity of relying solely on language to convey or understand aesthetic value.
Alliteration	“Softens it, and it is twice as lovely.”	Alliteration is evident in the repetition of the “s” sound in “softens” and “lovely,” creating a melodic effect that emphasizes the enhanced beauty of the picture when viewed in the mirror.
Paradox	“There wasn’t a sign of a flat thing visible.”	The statement presents a paradox, as it suggests that something flat (the picture) should be visible in the mirror, yet the ass sees nothing but his own reflection, highlighting the discrepancy between expectation and reality.
Onomatopoeia	“And you almost swoon with ecstasy.”	Twain uses onomatopoeia to mimic the sound of someone swooning with ecstasy, enhancing the vividness of the description and conveying the intensity of the animals’ emotional response to the cat’s words.
Epiphany	The animals’ realization of their own reflections.	The moment when each animal sees only its own reflection in the mirror serves as an epiphany, prompting them to recognize the limitations of their perception and the subjective nature of reality, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
Imagery	“Dainty and charming and ethereal.”	Twain employs vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the picture, using sensory details to evoke a strong visual and emotional response in the animals, enhancing their desire to see it for themselves.
Euphemism	“Handsome ass.”	The term “handsome ass” serves as a euphemism for the ass’s appearance, softening the description of the animal’s physical attributes while still conveying its identity, adding humor to the narrative.
Anaphora	“The cat explained.”	Anaphora involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. In this case, the repetition of “The cat explained” emphasizes the cat’s role as the primary source of information and guidance for the animals.
Satire	The animals’ foolishness and gullibility.	Twain employs satire to mock human tendencies towards credulity and self-deception, using the animals’ misguided pursuit of beauty in the mirror to critique the absurdity of placing value solely on outward appearances.
Repetition	“There was nothing in the hole but…”	Repetition of the phrase “There was nothing in the hole but” emphasizes the animals’ repeated disappointment and confusion upon looking in the mirror, underscoring the story’s central theme of subjective perception and illusion.
Allusion	“King of Beasts”	The phrase “King of Beasts” alludes to the lion’s status as a powerful and majestic animal, drawing upon common cultural associations with lions as symbols of strength and leadership, enriching the characterization of the elephant.
Juxtaposition	The animals’ varied reactions to the mirror.	Juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the animals’ initial excitement and anticipation regarding the mirror’s beauty and their eventual disillusionment and frustration when they fail to see anything remarkable in it.
Oxymoron	“Moral and mental blindness.”	The phrase “moral and mental blindness” combines contradictory terms, juxtaposing moral and mental faculties with blindness to emphasize the animals’ inability to perceive the truth and their moral shortcomings in failing to recognize their own reflections.

Characterization in “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Major Characters:

• The Cat: The cat is a learned, refined, civilized, polite, and high-bred animal who is admired by the other animals. He is the one who explains what a picture is and describes its beauty. He is also shown to be quite offended when his description is questioned.
• The Ass: The ass is a skeptical character who doubts the cat’s description of the picture. He is calm and willing to investigate the truth by looking in the mirror.
• The Elephant (Hathi): The elephant is the king of beasts and is considered wise. He is puzzled by the conflicting reports and decides to investigate the truth himself.

Minor Characters:

• The Bear (Baloo): The bear is another animal who is sent to investigate the truth. He reports that he saw a bear in the mirror.
• The Cow: The cow is another animal who is sent to investigate and reports that she saw a cow in the mirror.
• The Tiger: The tiger also investigates and reports that he saw a tiger in the mirror.
• The Lion: The lion reports that he saw a lion in the mirror.
• The Leopard: The leopard reports that he saw a leopard in the mirror.
• The Camel: The camel reports that he saw a camel in the mirror.

Examples and Explanation:

• The cat’s description of the picture as “flat” and “beautiful” shows his refined and civilized nature.
• The ass’s skepticism and willingness to investigate show his calm and rational nature.
• The elephant’s puzzlement and decision to investigate show his wise and just nature.
• The other animals’ reports of seeing themselves in the mirror show their individual perspectives and biases.

Major Themes in “A Fable” by Mark Twain

• Theme 1: Subjective Reality: The story highlights that reality is subjective and that individuals perceive things differently based on their own perspectives and biases. The animals see themselves in the mirror, demonstrating that each one’s reality is unique to them. This theme is exemplified when the ass, bear, cow, tiger, lion, leopard, and camel all see their own reflections in the mirror, illustrating that reality is not absolute, but rather a personal interpretation.
• Theme 2: Confirmation Bias: The fable showcases how individuals tend to seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence. The cat’s description of the picture influences the animals’ expectations, and they see what they want to see in the mirror. This theme is evident when each animal sees their own reflection, confirming their own biases, rather than questioning their assumptions or considering alternative perspectives.
• Theme 3: The Power of Imagination: The story demonstrates the power of imagination in shaping our perceptions and understanding of reality. The cat’s vivid description of the picture sparks the animals’ imagination, leading them to see what they want to see in the mirror. This theme is exemplified when the elephant, despite being skeptical, ultimately sees an elephant in the mirror, illustrating how imagination can influence our perceptions and interpretations.
• Theme 4: The Limitations of Language: The fable highlights the limitations of language in conveying meaning and understanding. The cat’s description of the picture is subjective and open to interpretation, leading to confusion and miscommunication among the animals. This theme is evident when the animals’ questions and discussions about the picture reveal the ambiguity of language and the challenges of conveying complex ideas and concepts.

Writing Style in “A Fable” by Mark Twain

1. Narrative Voice: Twain employs a conversational and folksy narrative voice, which creates a sense of intimacy with the reader, as if the story is being shared orally.
2. Humor: Humor is a hallmark of Twain’s writing, and “A Fable” is no exception. He uses wit, satire, and irony to entertain readers while also conveying deeper messages.
3. Satire: Twain employs satire to critique societal norms, human behavior, and intellectual pretensions. In “A Fable,” he satirizes the animals’ gullibility and their blind acceptance of the cat’s descriptions without critical thought.
4. Simple Language: Twain often uses simple, straightforward language that reflects the rural and colloquial speech of his characters. This accessibility allows his stories to resonate with a wide audience.
5. Dialogue: Twain’s dialogue is authentic and reflects the dialects and speech patterns of the characters, enhancing their individuality and adding realism to the narrative.
6. Moral Lessons: Like many of Twain’s works, “A Fable” contains moral lessons or philosophical insights disguised within the narrative. These lessons are often delivered subtly, encouraging readers to reflect on broader truths about human nature and society.
7. Imagery: Twain employs vivid imagery to bring scenes and characters to life, allowing readers to vividly imagine the animals’ interactions and the setting in which the story unfolds.
8. Repetition: Twain occasionally uses repetition for comedic effect or to emphasize key points in the narrative. For example, the repetition of animals’ failed attempts to see the beauty in the mirror highlights the absurdity of their situation.
9. Simplicity and Depth: Twain’s writing often appears simple on the surface but carries deeper layers of meaning and commentary on society, human nature, and morality. This juxtaposition of simplicity and depth is a hallmark of his style.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example	Explanation
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and response to the text, emphasizing subjective reactions and personal experiences.	Different readers may interpret the animals’ reactions to the mirror differently based on their own perspectives and beliefs.	Reader-response theory suggests that the meaning of a text is not fixed but rather constructed by each individual reader, allowing for a variety of interpretations based on personal experiences, cultural background, and emotional response.
Marxist Criticism	Analyzes literature in terms of class struggle and social conflict, examining how power dynamics shape societal structures and relationships.	The animals’ reliance on the cat’s descriptions reflects a power dynamic where authority figures control knowledge and perceptions.	Marxist criticism would view the story as a commentary on social hierarchies and the manipulation of truth by those in positions of power, highlighting themes of exploitation and oppression.
Formalist Criticism	Focuses on the formal elements of literature, such as structure, language, and style, to derive meaning from the text itself.	Twain’s use of repetition underscores the animals’ repeated attempts to see the beauty in the mirror, emphasizing their futile pursuit.	Formalist criticism would analyze how Twain’s narrative techniques, such as repetition and irony, contribute to the story’s themes and overall impact, without considering external social or historical contexts.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Nature of Reality	How does the story challenge the concept of objective reality?	“Through its use of satire and irony, ‘A Fable’ by Mark Twain illustrates that reality is subjective and shaped by individual perspectives and biases.”
The Power of Language	How does the story demonstrate the limitations and potential for miscommunication in language?	“In ‘A Fable’, Mark Twain uses the cat’s description of the picture to highlight the ambiguity and subjective nature of language, demonstrating how it can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.”
The Influence of Expectations	How do the animals’ expectations and biases influence their perceptions of the picture?	“Through the animals’ varied reactions to the mirror, ‘A Fable’ shows how expectations and biases shape our perceptions, leading to a distorted understanding of reality.”
The Role of Imagination	How does the story illustrate the power of imagination in shaping our understanding of the world?	“In ‘A Fable’, Mark Twain uses the animals’ imaginative interpretations of the mirror to demonstrate the significant role imagination plays in constructing our individual realities.”

Short Questions/Answers about/on “A Fable” by Mark Twain

1. What is the central theme of “A Fable” by Mark Twain? The central theme of “A Fable” revolves around the subjective nature of perception and the dangers of blind faith in authority. The story illustrates how the animals in the woods unquestioningly accept the cat’s descriptions of the mirror and the picture, leading to disappointment and confusion when they cannot see the beauty for themselves. This theme is exemplified when the animals fail to recognize their own reflections in the mirror, highlighting the folly of relying solely on external sources of knowledge without critical thinking or independent verification.
2. How does Twain use humor in “A Fable”? Twain employs humor throughout “A Fable” to satirize human tendencies towards gullibility and intellectual pretension. For example, the animals’ exaggerated reactions to the cat’s descriptions of the picture and the mirror, such as the bear’s skepticism and the elephant’s indignation, serve as comedic moments that highlight the absurdity of their situation. Additionally, Twain’s use of irony, such as when the animals see only their own reflections in the mirror despite expecting to see the beauty described by the cat, adds a humorous twist to the narrative and underscores its satirical tone.
3. What role does the mirror play in “A Fable”? The mirror serves as a symbol of subjective perception and the limitations of human understanding. It represents the way individuals perceive reality differently based on their own biases and perspectives. In the story, the mirror becomes a source of fascination for the animals, who eagerly anticipate seeing the beauty described by the cat. However, their inability to recognize anything other than their own reflections highlights the theme of subjective truth and the tendency to see what one wants to see rather than objective reality.
4. How does “A Fable” reflect Twain’s commentary on society? “A Fable” reflects Twain’s commentary on society by satirizing the human propensity for intellectual laziness and the uncritical acceptance of authority. Through the animals’ interactions and reactions to the cat’s descriptions, Twain critiques the way individuals often defer to perceived experts without questioning or verifying information for themselves. This commentary is particularly relevant in today’s age of misinformation and echo chambers, where people may be influenced by persuasive rhetoric without considering alternative perspectives or seeking evidence-based truths.

Literary Works Similar to “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Story Title	Author	Similarity
“The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”	Mark Twain	Satirical tone and use of irony to comment on human nature and societal flaws
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”	James Thurber	Use of humor and irony to explore the human tendency to escape reality through imagination
“The Emperor’s New Clothes”	Hans Christian Andersen	Satirical commentary on societal norms and the human tendency to follow the crowd, even when it defies logic
“The Gift of the Magi”	O. Henry	Irony and unexpected twist at the end, highlighting the theme of perception vs. reality
“The Last Question”	Isaac Asimov	Exploration of the human condition and the power of imagination, with a touch of satire and irony

Suggested Readings about/on “A Fable” by Mark Twain

• Twain, Mark. “A Fable.” The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain. Edited by Charles Neider, Doubleday, 1957, pp. 822-826.
• Hill, Hamlin. Mark Twain: God’s Fool. University of Chicago Press, 2010.
• Hrynewich, Patricia. Mark Twain’s short fiction: a study of humor. Diss. 2012.
• Gillman, Susan. “In Twain’s Times.” Arizona Quarterly: A Journal of American Literature, Culture, and Theory 61.1 (2005): 7-39.

Representative Quotations from “A Fable” by Mark Twain

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”	The artist’s remark upon observing his painting in the mirror	Reflection and perception; subjective experience of beauty
“It is a flat thing… wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”	The cat’s description of a picture	Representation and reality; linguistic construction of image
“It is the looks of it.”	The cat’s response to the bear’s inquiry about the picture’s beauty	Aesthetic judgment and subjective experience; primacy of appearance
“When it takes a whole basketful of sesquipedalian adjectives to whoop up a thing of beauty, it is time for suspicion.”	The ass’s skeptical remark	Critical thinking and skepticism; questioning elaborate descriptions
“You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination.”	The cat’s moral	Reader-response theory; active role of reader in interpretation
“You may not see your ears, but they will be there.”	The cat’s moral (continued)	Perception and reality; limitations of human understanding