Understanding the Apologue
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An apologue, derived from a French word with the same spelling and possibly from the Latin term "apologus," refers to a type of story or fable. In literature, it conveys allegorical meanings through inanimate objects, animals, or other non-human entities that speak and interact with each other. Apologues are often used to convey moral lessons. Distinguishing Apologues from Parables It's important to note that apologues are distinct from parables: 1. Realism: Apologues typically involve non-human characters, like animals or inanimate objects, which makes them less rooted in reality compared to parables that often feature human characters. 2. Exploration of Emotions: Parables can delve into human emotions and behaviors, providing a deeper exploration of human nature. Apologues, with their non-human characters, lack this depth. 3. Lesson Scope: Apologues generally focus on everyday morality, while parables delve into broader lessons about human existence in the metaphysical real…