Satire:
* Purpose: To expose and criticize foolishness, vices, or injustices in society. It aims to evoke laughter, but also provoke thought and change.
* Tone: Often biting, ironic, and cynical, using humor to highlight absurdity.
* Characters: Can be realistic or exaggerated, but often represent specific types of people or social groups.
* Examples: "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, "The Onion" news website, "The Daily Show".
Fables:
* Purpose: To teach a moral lesson or convey a universal truth. It emphasizes the practical application of wisdom.
* Tone: Typically didactic and straightforward, with a clear moral conclusion.
* Characters: Often animals or inanimate objects with human-like qualities, representing abstract virtues or vices.
* Examples: "The Tortoise and the Hare", "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", "Aesop's Fables".
Here's a table for easy comparison:
| Feature | Satire | Fables |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Expose and criticize | Teach a moral lesson |
| Tone | Biting, ironic, cynical | Didactic, straightforward |
| Characters | Realistic or exaggerated, representing social groups | Animal/object allegories, representing virtues/vices |
| Example | "Animal Farm" | "The Tortoise and the Hare" |
Key Differences:
* Focus: Satire targets social issues, while fables aim to teach general wisdom.
* Humor: Satire relies on irony and exaggeration, while fables often use simple, straightforward humor.
* Complexity: Satire can be complex and multifaceted, while fables tend to be simpler and more direct.
In essence, satire aims to shock and change, while fables strive to educate and inspire. Both are powerful forms of storytelling, offering valuable insights into human nature and society.