Did ancient fables serve the oppressed or the ruling class?
In short: This lecture explores how the fables of Aesop address the power dynamics of a society built on institutionalised slavery.
Professor Edith Hall examines the tension between the wisdom of ancient Greek peasants and the reality of their exploitation. Though Aesop is a semi-mythical character, frequently noted as a barbarian purchased by a Greek owner during the 6th century BCE, he embodies the tens of thousands of actual slaves residing in ancient Greece.
The discussion uses Walter Crane's 1887 publication, The Babys Own Aesop, as a lens to investigate whether these stories were created by and for slaves, or if they were designed to support the interests of the ruling class.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Slave Stories: Aesop and Walter Crane - Edith Hall
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-slave-stories-aesop-and-walter-crane-edith-hall.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
