Fables for Animal Empathy. From La Fontaine to Julián Chave y Castilla

Abstract

This article undertakes an analysis and an attempt at a theoretical classification of some fables (mainly Spanish fables) from the 18th and 19th centuries in which there can be found affective attitudes toward certain non-human animals, lessons about their protection and care, or testimonies and complaints about the abuse and ingratitude of human beings. This study is carried out from the perspective of Animal Studies, whose researchers have often disregarded the fabulistic genre. Despite the prevailing anthropocentrism at the time, and in this literary genre, we will demonstrate that some fables, both ancient and modern, reveal useful elements for literary criticism based on the purposes of Animal Studies. These fables—few in number, even though their presence can be attested in the production of different authors—are relevant to Animal Studies and should continue to be located and commented on in future research.