Aesop’s fables, timeless tales spun with moral wisdom, have captivated audiences for centuries. Rob Crisell, a contemporary poet and author, breathes new life into these classic narratives in his book, The Fantastic Fables of Aesop (De Portola Press, 2023). Crisell’s collection retains the core messages of the originals while employing a modern, engaging poetic style, making them accessible and enjoyable for today’s readers. This article explores two of his reimagined fables: “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Donkey and Her Master.”
Contents
A depiction of the boy who cried wolf from Rob Crisell's book of fables.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf: A Timeless Cautionary Tale
Crisell’s rendition of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” maintains the fable’s central warning against dishonesty. The shepherd boy, bored with his duties, deceives his fellow villagers with false alarms about a wolf. Crisell’s playful language captures the boy’s mischievous spirit:
One Saturday in late July,
He thought it would be hilarious
To stand at pasture’s edge and shout,
“A wolf! Come quick! It’s precarious!”
The poem emphasizes the escalating consequences of the boy’s lies. Initially, the villagers respond with urgency, armed and ready to defend their flocks. However, as the boy’s pranks continue, their trust erodes. When a real wolf finally appears, the boy’s cries are met with indifference, leading to tragic consequences. Crisell reinforces the moral of the story with a concise and impactful couplet:
MORAL If you’re a liar and try to deceive,
When you tell the truth, they’ll never believe.
Another illustration from Crisell's book depicting the boy who cried wolf, now alone and facing the wolf.
The Donkey and Her Master: A Fable of Indifference
In “The Donkey and Her Master,” Crisell presents a clever commentary on societal structures. Faced with approaching soldiers, the master urges the donkey to flee. The donkey, however, displays a pragmatic indifference, questioning whether a change in rulers would truly alter her workload.
“No,” he replied. “You would simply exchange
One boss for another. Your work wouldn’t change.”
Said Donkey, “Then it makes no difference to me.
I’ll stay here and eat. You go on and flee.”
The donkey’s perspective offers a poignant reflection on the enduring nature of hardship for those at the bottom of the social hierarchy, regardless of who holds power. Crisell’s moral succinctly encapsulates this observation:
MORAL
Though governments change
Their style and their name,
For those at the bottom,
The view stays the same.
Crisell’s Contribution to the Fable Tradition
Through his skillful use of language and modern sensibility, Rob Crisell revitalizes these ancient fables. He retains the instructive core while adding a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary readers. The Fantastic Fables of Aesop serves as a testament to the enduring power of these timeless stories and their continued relevance in the modern world. Crisell’s work is a valuable addition to the literary landscape, inviting both children and adults to rediscover the wisdom embedded within these classic narratives.