Beast tale is a genre of literature that involves animals as the main characters. These tales are often used to teach moral lessons and are popular among children. The stories can be found in different cultures and have been passed down from generation to generation.
Definitions
A beast tale is a story that uses animals as characters to teach a moral lesson. The tales often involve anthropomorphized animals, meaning that they are given human-like qualities and characteristics. The stories can be humorous or serious and are often used to teach children about the consequences of their actions.
Origin
Beast tales have been around for centuries and can be found in different cultures. The earliest known beast tale is the fable of “The Lion and the Mouse” from ancient Greece. The Aesop’s Fables collection is another example of early beast tales. The genre became popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, with famous works such as “Reynard the Fox” and “The Canterbury Tales.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a beast tale is “a story in which animals speak and act like human beings.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a tale in which animals are the principal characters, often with human attributes, and which typically conveys a moral or lesson.”
Associations
Beast tales are often associated with children’s literature and are used to teach moral lessons. They can also be used to explore complex themes such as power dynamics, social hierarchies, and human behavior.
Synonyms
Other terms used to describe beast tales include animal fables, animal stories, and animal allegories.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for beast tale, but stories that do not involve animals as characters could be considered the opposite.
The same root words
Beast tale does not have any root words, but the word “beast” comes from the Old French word “beste,” which means “animal.”
Example Sentences
- “The Tortoise and the Hare” is a classic beast tale that teaches the moral lesson of perseverance.
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell is a political allegory that uses animals as characters to explore the dangers of totalitarianism.
- The Disney movie “The Lion King” is a beast tale that teaches the importance of family and responsibility.