Fable by Ralph Waldo Emerson – Extended Summary and Theme for Easy Understanding

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem Fable is a short yet profound piece that conveys an important lesson about self-worth, diversity, and the value of different abilities. Through a simple dialogue between a mighty mountain and a small but confident squirrel named Bun, Emerson presents a powerful message: greatness is not determined by size alone, and every being has a unique role to play in the world. The poem emphasizes that differences in talents and abilities are what make the world bala7nced and complete. By using personification, contrast, and a rhythmic structure, Emerson turns this brief conversation into a timeless reflection on individual value and the importance of recognizing one’s own strengths.

Extended Summary of “Fable” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The poem Fable by Ralph Waldo Emerson tells a short but meaningful story about a disagreement between a mountain and a squirrel named Bun. The mountain, being huge and powerful, mocks the small squirrel, calling it a “Little Prig” (which means someone who is overly proper or self-righteous). The squirrel, however, does not feel ashamed or inferior. Instead, Bun confidently responds by pointing out that while the mountain is indeed big, size is not the only thing that matters.

Bun argues that the world is made up of many different things, all of which are important in their own way. The mountain might be grand, but it cannot move quickly like the squirrel can. Likewise, while the squirrel cannot carry forests on its back like the mountain does, the mountain cannot crack a nut as the squirrel can. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay.

Theme and Meaning in Simple Terms

1. Every Being Has Value – The main lesson of the poem is that everyone has a role to play in the world. Just because someone (or something) is bigger or more powerful doesn’t mean they are more important. The squirrel and the mountain are both valuable in their own ways.
2. Different Strengths Matter – The poem teaches us that talents and abilities differ from person to person (or in this case, from a squirrel to a mountain). Some people might be strong and influential like the mountain, while others might be small and quick-thinking like the squirrel. But both types of people are needed in the world.
3. Confidence and Self-Worth – The squirrel does not feel bad about being small. Instead, it stands up for itself and confidently reminds the mountain that it has its own unique skills. This teaches us that we should not compare ourselves to others or feel inferior just because someone else seems greater.
4. Balance in Nature – Emerson also suggests that everything in nature is “wisely put”—meaning that everything exists for a reason and contributes to the balance of life. A world with only mountains and no squirrels (or vice versa) would not be complete.

Final Thoughts

Through this short and simple poem, Emerson teaches an important lesson: everyone has their own strengths, and no one should feel unimportant just because they are different. We should all appreciate our own abilities instead of comparing ourselves to others.