Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

           “A Fable" by Richard Wilbur is a poem that tells the story of a mouse who becomes trapped in a trap, and is then rescued by a crow. The poem explores themes of kindness, empathy, and the delicate balance between predator and prey. The mouse is initially caught in a trap, and struggles to free itself. As the mouse cries out in fear and desperation, a crow passes by and takes notice. The crow swoops down and, with its sharp beak, breaks open the trap, freeing the mouse. The mouse is amazed and grateful, and thanks the crow for its kindness. The poem concludes with the mouse scurrying away, with the crow watching on in silence.

Form: "A Fable" is a free verse poem with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with varying line lengths.

Theme: The central theme of the poem is the power of kindness and empathy to transcend the boundaries between predator and prey. The poem also explores the delicate balance between life and death, and the way in which even the smallest creature can have a profound impact on the world around them.

Imagery: The poem uses vivid and sensory imagery to convey the story of the mouse and the crow, such as the image of the mouse caught in the trap and the crow swooping down to rescue it.

Tone: The tone of the poem is both playful and reflective, as the speaker explores the fable's themes with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Diction: The language used in the poem is simple and direct, reflecting the fable's folktale-like quality.

Figurative language: The poem employs several types of figurative language, including personification (the crow as a symbol of freedom and hope) and metaphor (the mouse as a symbol of vulnerability and innocence).

Symbolism: The crow in the poem is a powerful symbol of freedom and hope, while the mouse represents vulnerability and innocence. The trap is a symbol of the delicate balance between life and death.

Structure: The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the conflict, the second stanza resolves the conflict and shows the crow rescuing the mouse, and the third stanza concludes the poem with the mouse expressing gratitude and the crow watching on in silence.

Sound: The poem has a musical quality, with the use of alliteration and internal rhyme creating a sense of rhythm and melody.

Point of View: The poem is written from the perspective of an omniscient narrator, who tells the story of the mouse and the crow with a sense of detachment and wonder.

Analysis: In summary, "A Fable" is a charming and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of kindness, empathy, and the delicate balance between predator and prey. Published in 1956, the poem reflects the social and political climate of the Cold War era, as well as the growing concern for animal welfare and environmental conservation. Through its use of language, imagery, and symbolism, the poem encourages the reader to consider the profound impact that even the smallest creature can have on the world around them, and to recognize the power of kindness and empathy to bridge the divide between predator and prey.

Publication date: "A Fable" was first published in Richard Wilbur's collection "Things of This World" in 1956.

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