Why did the author chose a grasshopper and ant in La cigale et la fourni(The grasshopper and the ant)

It is peculiar. The fable states that the ant stores up food for the winter, and the grasshopper does not.

However, grasshoppers live about a year, while ants live two months or less.

Perhaps Aesop did not really know about grasshoppers and ants.

Ok. Yeah i wasn't sure why he would choose a grasshopper and an ant.

I suppose because he observed ants always being busy, while grasshoppers are not.

Yes. Thank you

You're welcome.

The author chose a grasshopper and an ant as the main characters in "La cigale et la fourmi" (The grasshopper and the ant) for several reasons.

Firstly, the grasshopper and the ant symbolize contrasting personality traits and behaviors. The grasshopper represents carefree, lazy, and pleasure-seeking behavior, while the ant represents hardworking, diligent, and responsible behavior. By using these two characters, the author creates a dichotomy between individuals who prioritize immediate gratification and those who value foresight and preparation.

Additionally, the grasshopper and the ant are commonly associated with the seasons of summer and winter. In many cultures, grasshoppers are seen as symbols of leisure and abundance during the warm months, while ants represent industriousness and preparation for the cold months ahead. By choosing these specific characters, the author emphasizes the importance of planning and saving for the future.

Moreover, the choice of the grasshopper and the ant allows for a moral lesson or fable to be conveyed. In the story, the grasshopper spends the summer singing and enjoying the warm weather, while the ant spends the same time period gathering food and preparing for winter. When winter arrives and the grasshopper finds himself hungry and cold, he seeks help from the ant. This moral tale serves as a reminder of the benefits of hard work, discipline, and planning for the future.

To obtain a more accurate understanding of the author's specific intentions in choosing a grasshopper and an ant as the main characters, it might be helpful to research the cultural and literary context in which the story was written, as well as to explore any potential symbolism or allegorical meanings associated with these characters in other similar stories or fables.