What is the Difference Between Fable and Parable?

The main difference between a fable and a parable lies in the characters and the lessons they convey. Here are the key differences:

• Characters: Fables typically feature non-human characters, such as animals, plants, or forces of nature, while parables have human characters.
• Lessons: Fables usually teach moral and ethical lessons, such as respecting the elderly, promoting equality, or the virtue of being good to others. Parables, on the other hand, not only teach moral and ethical lessons but also deal with religious and spiritual truths, such as the relationship with God, the existence of Heaven, and the gift of life.
• Setting: Fables are often set in a fantastical world with talking animals or other non-realistic elements. In contrast, parables are rooted in reality and typically feature human interactions.

Both fables and parables are short, simple forms of storytelling used to convey instructive lessons or principles. They have a long history of oral tradition and were initially used for teaching purposes rather than entertainment. While there is some overlap in their characteristics, the differences in characters, lessons, and settings help distinguish between the two.

Comparative Table: Fable vs Parable

Here is a table summarizing the differences and similarities between fables and parables:

Both fables and parables are short stories used to teach moral or spiritual lessons. They have their roots in ancient oral traditions and were often used as teaching tools. While fables typically use non-human characters and are set in fantastical worlds, parables usually feature human characters and realistic settings. Additionally, many parables involve ordinary people faced with moral dilemmas or decisions, while fables often use anthropomorphic animals or objects to illustrate their lessons.