Line by Line Analysis and Beyond – Fable by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem Fable is a short yet powerful piece that conveys a deep message about individual worth, self-confidence, and the importance of diversity in nature. Through a conversation between a mountain and a squirrel, Emerson highlights the idea that different beings have different strengths, and each has a unique role to play in the world.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Lines 1-2:

“The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,”

The poem begins with a quarrel (a minor argument) between a mountain and a squirrel. This contrast immediately establishes the theme of size and power versus smallness and agility. The mountain symbolizes grandeur, stability, and strength, while the squirrel represents quickness, cleverness, and adaptability.

Lines 3-5:

“And the former called the latter ‘Little Prig.’
Bun replied,
‘You are doubtless very big;'”

The mountain insults the squirrel, calling it a “Little Prig.” The word “prig” means someone who is overly self-righteous or thinks too highly of themselves. The mountain, because of its large size, seems to look down on the squirrel, implying that small creatures like Bun are insignificant.

However, the squirrel—named Bun—does not get discouraged. Instead, it acknowledges the mountain’s size, saying, “You are doubtless very big.” This shows that Bun is not arguing against the mountain’s greatness, but is about to explain why size alone is not the only measure of worth.

Lines 6-9:

“But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together,
To make up a year,
And a sphere.”

Here, the squirrel presents an important argument: the world is made up of many different things. Just as different seasons and weather patterns combine to make a full year, different creatures and objects—both big and small—play a role in the balance of life.

The phrase “to make up a sphere” likely refers to the Earth itself, which is a collection of various elements working together in harmony. Emerson suggests that a world made up of only big things (like mountains) would be incomplete.

Lines 10-13:

“And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,”

Bun confidently asserts that there is no shame in being small. Instead of feeling inferior, the squirrel embraces its own identity and abilities.

The next line cleverly reverses the comparison: if the squirrel is not as big as the mountain, the mountain is also not as small and agile as the squirrel. This suggests that size is just one factor, and there are other qualities that matter.

Lines 14-15:

“And not half so spry.”

The word “spry” means lively, quick, and energetic. Here, Bun points out that although the mountain is massive, it lacks agility and movement. This introduces the idea that each being has its own advantages. The mountain may be grand and unshakable, but the squirrel can move, climb, and adapt in ways the mountain never can.

Lines 16-17:

“I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.”

Here, the squirrel acknowledges that the mountain does serve a purpose. The rocky slopes and paths created by the mountain give squirrels a place to run and play. This reinforces the idea that everything in nature has a role, even if those roles are different.

Lines 18-20:

“Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.”

These final lines summarize the main lesson of the poem:

• Everyone has different talents and abilities.
• The world is well-balanced because of these differences.
• Just as the mountain can hold forests on its back but cannot crack a nut, the squirrel can crack nuts but cannot carry forests.

This comparison highlights the importance of individual strengths—one’s worth is not measured by how big or powerful they are, but by how well they fulfill their own unique role.

Themes in the Poem

1. The Value of Individuality

The poem teaches that every individual has worth, no matter how big or small they are. Just as the squirrel refuses to feel inferior to the mountain, we should all appreciate our own unique abilities instead of comparing ourselves to others.

2. Diversity and Balance in Nature

Emerson emphasizes that the world is made up of many different things, each playing an important role. A healthy ecosystem, just like a well-functioning society, needs a mix of strengths and skills.

3. Confidence and Self-Respect

Bun the squirrel does not let the mountain’s insult shake its confidence. Instead, it proudly defends itself and proves that small creatures have just as much value as big ones. This is a lesson about self-worth and standing up for oneself.

4. Different Definitions of Strength

The poem challenges the idea that strength is only about size and power. While the mountain represents physical strength and endurance, the squirrel represents agility and adaptability. The message is that different strengths are valuable in different ways.

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

1. Personification – The mountain and the squirrel are given human qualities (they argue, insult, and respond to each other). This makes the poem more engaging and helps deliver its message in a simple, relatable way.
2. Dialogue – The poem is structured like a conversation, making it feel like a small fable or story. This adds to its charm and makes the lesson feel natural rather than preachy.
3. Contrast (Big vs. Small) – The poem highlights the differences between the mountain and the squirrel, showing that both have strengths despite their differences.
4. Rhyme Scheme – The poem follows a simple, flowing rhyme scheme (AABB), making it easy to read and remember.
5. Metaphor – The mountain and the squirrel symbolize different types of people—those who are powerful and those who are quick-witted. The poem suggests that both are needed in society.

Final Thoughts

Although Fable is a short poem, it carries a deep and timeless message: every being has value, and we should embrace our own strengths rather than feel inferior to others. Emerson reminds us that differences are what make the world complete, and true wisdom lies in appreciating all kinds of abilities—not just those that seem the most powerful.