The Lion Fable This story follows a lion who is shy and afraid to act for fear of looking foolish. While the lion watches quietly, several other animals step up to lead without hesitation—and make things progressively worse. Each time, the lion quietly tells his mouse friend how he would have done things, and each idea sounds like it would have been a much better and more logical solution. Finally, the mouse points out that the most foolish animals in the kingdom have stepped up to lead without hesitation and suggests that the biggest fool of them all is the lion, who has the best ideas but is too timid to lead. The lion takes the mouse’s words to heart and steps up to rule. The Animal Council This story is about a group of animals who serve on King Lion’s council. They gather frequently when their king is not around to complain about his rules and way of doing things. They echo one another’s concerns, and all agree that the king is their greatest problem. Hearing of their doubt, the king decides to teach the animals a lesson. He disappears for two weeks. During this time, the animal council is given the chance to lead. They make several messes, and by the end of the two weeks, the mouse alerts the king that his council is desperate to find and return him to his throne. When he returns, he tells the animals not to question his leadership if they cannot do better themselves. Question Use the folk tale descriptions to answer the question. What social contribution do these folktales make by exploring a common theme? (1 point) Responses They show that the best advisors are intelligent and meek. They show that the best advisors are intelligent and meek. They show that accurate self-evaluation is a necessary tool. They show that accurate self-evaluation is a necessary tool. They show that it is important to push yourself to do things you are not sure you can do. They show that it is important to push yourself to do things you are not sure you can do. They show that it is important to give people the chance to learn their limits.
They show that accurate self-evaluation is a necessary tool. The folktales explore the theme of self-doubt and the importance of self-reflection. The characters in the stories struggle with their own insecurities and abilities, ultimately learning to believe in themselves and their potential. This message can be applied in social situations where individuals may doubt their abilities or feel hesitant to take on leadership roles. The folktales encourage individuals to accurately evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to grow and succeed.
