Fables:
* Characters: Typically animals or inanimate objects with human-like qualities.
* Story: Short, simple narratives with a clear moral message.
* Purpose: To teach a lesson about morality, ethics, or human behavior in a straightforward manner.
* Humor: Often uses humor, but it's usually lighthearted and intended for a general audience.
* Example: Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" teaches the value of perseverance and slow and steady progress.
Satire:
* Characters: Often realistic human characters with exaggerated flaws or vices.
* Story: Can be complex and involve social commentary, political critique, or philosophical observations.
* Purpose: To expose and ridicule human folly, hypocrisy, or societal issues.
* Humor: Uses sharp, often biting wit and irony to expose and criticize.
* Example: Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" satirizes Irish poverty and English policies by suggesting the consumption of Irish children as a solution.
Key Differences:
* Characters: Fables use fantastical characters, while satire uses realistic characters with flaws.
* Purpose: Fables teach lessons directly, while satire uses humor and irony to critique.
* Tone: Fables are generally lighthearted, while satire is often biting and critical.
* Complexity: Fables are simple, while satire can be complex and nuanced.
In essence: Fables are like gentle reminders, while satire is a whip that lashes out at human weakness.