Progymnasmata Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Progymnasmata - Essay Example The Miller, his son, and their Ass Is an example of fable in which an old man and his son are approaching the city with their ass. On their way, they meet three groups of people in different occasions and each seems to be surprised by their way of journey (Aesop 76-9). Their first encounter with a group of women who are surprised at the old man his son walking when they can ride the donkey. These women’s sentiments convince the old man to mount his son on the ass. Just before they can go far, another group of old men come by them and express their disappointment at the boy riding the ass while the old man should be the one to rest his limbs. At this point, the old man brings the son down and mounts the ass. A few minutes later they meet with a group of women and children who criticizes the old man for being uncaring to the young boy by riding alone on the ass. This makes the old man call the lad up and both ride on the ass. They have not gone far and another citizen wonders ho w two people can oppress an ass while they should carry it and the old man abides by tying the ass and carrying it with the help of the son. This free drama attracts a crowd who begins to make noise and the donkey breaks off into the water. The old man has lost his donkey for listening to various people. A critical analysis of this fable presents various moral lessons. The society has various characters that hold diverse opinion on different circumstances. Considering the experience of the old man, it can be noted that listening to people may be misleading in various cases (Aesop 56-7). The different groups the old man met on his way are symbolic of different alternative ideas that come into people mind. The moral lesson that can be learnt in this case is emphatic to the need for independent decision making. The fable is relevant into contemporary time where people are advised to make informed and personal decision