Fable vs. Parable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 9, 2023
A "Fable" is a short story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral, while a "Parable" is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
Key Differences
"Fable" is a literary genre: a succinct fictional story that features animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature which are anthropomorphized, and that illustrates a moral lesson (a "moral"), which may at the end be expressed explicitly in a pithy maxim. A "Parable," however, is a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
A "Fable" often involves animals with human qualities solving problems, usually ending with a moral lesson. Conversely, a "Parable" is a brief narrative that teaches a moral, but unlike fables, parables are composed of human characters in real-life situations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
The term "Fable" is derived from the Latin word "fabula" meaning “story” or “play,” whereas "Parable" comes from the Greek word "parabolē," which means “comparison” or “analogy.”
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
A "Fable" operates on two levels: the characters and the story represent specific qualities or events, and there's a direct moral lesson to be learned. In contrast, a "Parable" also operates symbolically but is often more complex, typically requiring interpretation and not always providing a straightforward moral lesson.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
"Fables" are universal, used in cultures around the world, often as children's literature, to teach moral lessons. "Parables," however, are commonly found in Christian texts, particularly in the Gospels of the New Testament, used by Jesus to teach moral and spiritual lessons.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Fable and Parable Definitions
Fable
A story that embodies a lesson often illustrated by characters who are animals.
The fable of the lion and the mouse shows that no act of kindness is ever wasted.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Parable
An earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
Through the parable of the sower, listeners learn about the different receptions of the Gospel.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Fable
A short story usually with animals as characters that conveys a moral.
The Fox and the Grapes is a well-known fable.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Parable
A figure of speech, which presents a short story, typically with a moral lesson at the end.
The parable of the lost son conveys the theme of forgiveness.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Fable
A fictional story meant to teach a lesson, often involving mythical forces.
His favorite fable involved a troll under a bridge.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
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Parable
A short allegorical story that teaches a truth or lesson.
He spoke in parables, making his lessons relatable to everyday life.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Fable
Literature in which animals speak and act like humans to convey a moral.
In the fable, the rabbit raced the turtle and lost.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Parable
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
The Good Samaritan is a famous parable from the Bible.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Fable
A usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as characters animals that speak and act like humans.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Parable
A succinct story that illustrates a moral principle through analogy.
The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes faith.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Parable
A short narrative illustrating a lesson (usually religious/moral) by comparison or analogy.
In the New Testament the parables told by Jesus Christ convey His message, as in "The parable of the prodigal son".
Catholic sermons normally draw on at least one Biblical lecture, often parables.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
A fictitious narrative intended to enforce some useful truth or precept, usually with animals, etc. as characters; an apologue. Prototypically, Aesop's Fables.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Parable
A comparison; a similitude; specifically, a short fictitious narrative of something which might really occur in life or nature, by means of which a moral is drawn; as, the parables of Christ.
Declare unto us the parable of the tares.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Parable
To represent by parable.
Which by the ancient sages was thus parabled.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
The plot, story, or connected series of events forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
To compose fables; hence, to write or speak fiction; to write or utter what is not true.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Parable
(New Testament) any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message;
The parable of the prodigal son
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
To make up; to devise, and speak of, as true or real; to tell of falsely; to recount in the form of a fable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under Apologue.
Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem.
The moral is the first business of the poet; this being formed, he contrives such a design or fable as may be most suitable to the moral.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk.
We grewThe fable of the city where we dwelt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
Fiction; untruth; falsehood.
It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
To compose fables; hence, to write or speak fiction ; to write or utter what is not true.
Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell.
He fables, yet speaks truth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
To feign; to invent; to devise, and speak of, as true or real; to tell of falsely.
The hell thou fablest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fable
A narration intended to enforce a useful truth.
Fables often include stories where the cunning outwit the strong.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
FAQs
Are parables exclusive to Christian texts?
They're prominent in Christianity but also appear in other religious and philosophical traditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Are the morals in fables and parables always explicitly stated?
In fables, morals are often explicit, while parables usually require interpretation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Do fables only feature animal characters?
Primarily, though they can also include plants, inanimate objects, and mythical creatures.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Can fables have human characters?
Rarely. Fables typically feature non-human characters to convey morals.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
Why do parables use human characters?
To make the story relatable and the lesson applicable to human behavior or conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Do parables always have a religious undertone?
Often, but they can also teach secular moral lessons.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
What's the main purpose of a fable?
To impart a lesson or moral through clear, simple storytelling.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 08, 2023
Can a story be both a fable and a parable?
Generally, they're distinct, but a story could potentially be interpreted both ways.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Are animals in fables symbolic?
Yes, they usually symbolize human vices and virtues.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
What makes parables effective teaching tools?
Their use of familiar situations and human characters for relatable lessons.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
Are parables purely fictional?
They're fictional but are used to illustrate real-life moral or spiritual lessons.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Are fables suitable for children?
Yes, they're often used as simple, instructive stories for children.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
Can fables be for adults?
Yes, while simple, fables can provide insights for all ages.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Are parables meant to be interpreted literally?
They're meant for deeper interpretation beyond the literal story.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Do fables have a long literary history?
Yes, they've been part of storytelling cultures worldwide for centuries.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
Can fables originate from folklore?
Yes, many fables have origins in traditional folk stories.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 08, 2023
How are the lessons in fables conveyed?
Through the actions and consequences faced by the characters.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
How do parables relate to cultural contexts?
They often use culturally relevant stories to impart broader truths or lessons.
Janet White
Nov 08, 2023
Are modern stories considered fables?
Some modern stories with clear morals and symbolic characters can be considered fables.
Harlon Moss
Nov 08, 2023
Do all parables have happy endings?
Not always. The outcome is designed to reinforce the lesson, not necessarily to please.
Sara Rehman
Nov 08, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
