Parables in Literature

A brief story that teaches a moral or religious lesson and usually features human characters

• Fable

• Parable

• Proverb

• Allegory

The Fisherman and the Jinee, King Yunan and Duban the Doctor, and Sinbad and the Falcon all collectively teach a lesson about:

• We should treat others with more gratitude

• We should model the value strength and power

• We should hurt those we feel will hurt us

• We shouldn't trust anyone

"Life is only as valuable as you value an opportune fruit" is a theme that can be taken away from this story:

• "Numskull and the Rabbit" from the Panchatantra

• "Taste of Banzo's Sword" from Zen Parables

• "Publishing the Sutras" from Zen Parables

• "A Parable" from Zen Parables

Our actions speak louder than words" is a theme that can be taken away from this story:

• "Numskull and the Rabbit" from the Panchatantra

• "Taste of Banzo's Sword" from Zen Parables

• "Publishing the Sutras" from Zen Parables

• "A Parable" from Zen Parables

"The mastery of a subject comes from necessity, not from direct instruction" is a theme that can be taken away from this story:

• "Numskull and the Rabbit" from the Panchatantra

• "Taste of Banzo's Sword" from Zen Parables

• "Publishing the Sutras" from Zen Parables

• "A Parable" from Zen Parables

Brief stories (like "The Prodigal Son") told to teach moral lessons (without the use of animal characters) are known as 

• fables.

• myths.

• parables.

• parody.

What is a parable?

• A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson by making a comparison

• A detailed biography of a historical figure

• A scientific explanation of natural phenomena

• A legal document outlining rules and regulations

What distinguishes a parable from a fable?

• Parables are longer than fables.

• Parables use human characters, while fables use animals, plants, or inanimate objects.

• Fables are based on true stories, while parables are fictional.

Which event is considered the turning point or climax of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

• When the son is in the pig pen and realizes he should go home

• When the father embraces him

• When the son asks for his inheritance

• When the older son complains to the father

Describe the mood of the Parable of the Prodigal Son and explain how it shifts throughout the story.

• The mood is consistently joyful throughout the story.

• The mood shifts from despair to hope as the story progresses.

• The mood is tense and fearful from beginning to end.