Fables are fictional stories that teach moral lessons to young individuals. Typically these stories involve animals which have human attributes, characteristics, and behaviors. The ancient Greeks passed on many of their values through the fables written by Aesop. There are several hundred fables associated with Aesop’s name, but you will read only a few selections on pages 123-124 in People and Civilizations. After each fable listed below write 1) the basic lesson of the fable and 2) the classical value it best reflects.

A. “THE CROW AND THE PITCHER”
1)

2)

B. “THE STAG AT THE POOL”
1)

2)

C. “THE WILD BOAR AND THE FOX”
1)

2)

D. “THE FARMER AND HIS SONS”
1)

2)

The other method the Greeks used to teach values was through literature. Some of the most famous Greek works of literature are the epic poems of Homer about the deeds of legendary gods and heroes. The courage of these heroes was designed to be an example for Greek youths. To better understand the values of the ancient Greeks we will read a selection from Homer’s The Odyssey and answer the following questions.

1. Which classical values does Odysseus posses?

2. What is the basic lesson of this story?