Question

Find out the difference between these literary forms (a) fable (b) allegory (c) satire.

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Fable	Allegory	Satire
Meaning	A short story, often featuring animals, that teaches a moral.	A story in which characters, events or settings represent deeper ideas.	A literary form that uses humour, irony or exaggeration to expose faults or criticize people and society.
Main purpose	To teach a lesson about behaviour or values.	To communicate an underlying meaning, often about moral, political or social ideas.	To point out and criticize foolishness, hypocrisy or injustice.
Typical characters	Animals or people who act out a moral lesson.	Characters may stand for abstract qualities, groups or institutions.	Characters may represent recognizable types or targets of criticism.
Common techniques	Simple plot and a clear moral.	Symbolism and extended comparisons between the story and its deeper meaning.	Irony, wit, exaggeration and ridicule.
Example in this poem	The animal characters and their actions make it resemble a fable.	The tigers, shepherd and sheep dog can suggest human groups and power relations.	The tigers’ excuses and the shepherd’s calculated generosity humorously criticize deception and self-interest.