Describe briefly the author and place this fable in context of other fables by the author in the opening paragraph. Has the author written other fables or does the author usually write in other literary genres? Perhaps speculate about the author's motivation for creating the fable.
Summarize the fable's plot or chain of events in the next paragraph. The plot tends to lack description of setting (time or place) or background information about the characters. Fables cut right to the bone and get to the essence quickly, and your story should not be longer than the original.
Analyze the characters in the third paragraph. In fables, usually animals or natural objects like rivers, sky and trees behave like humans, which is a way for the author to comment on human behavior without offending specific people. Discuss why that particular animal or object fit the author's moral. Does the animal or object that serves as the main character possess certain attributes or behavior that makes it perfect for the story?
Examine the fable's moral in a separate paragraph. Explain what life lesson the moral reveals. Do the story and characters logically lead to the moral? Do you agree with the moral and can you provide current examples of the moral?
Write a closing paragraph that briefly summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the fable. You should also advise whether readers should ponder the fable more.