Bell Ringer 2/28: What knowledge must you have to be an
effective ruler? Why?
Panchatantra
Numskull and the Rabbit
Title means – “a treatise in five
chapters” Contains fables designed to
provide instruction for princes Animals are often used as
characters because of the belief that Buddha is believed to have lived several lives as different animals.
Background
Fable: brief, simple tale that teaches a lesson
about conduct using animal characters Moral: lesson; may be directly stated or
implied Trickster: character who uses wit to overcome
the greater physical strength of another Rhetorical Question – questions meant for
thought Anthropomorphism – giving human
characteristics to an animal
Literary Terms
The sins and/or bad decisions of one
person can cause generations to suffer. Do not overtax the people by taking too
much money or too many supplies. Do not send all of the men of the
kingdom into battle at once. Study the enemy before a battle. Build strong defenses (fortress, archers,
etc.).
Lessons
Remember to offer honor, respect, and
rewards to the people of the kingdom to earn loyalty.
Provide safety and necessities for young men to grow healthily and develop wisdom/skills.
A king without a kingdom has nothing – remember who provides food, income, etc.
Do not engage in battles that cannot be won.
Address problems immediately rather than allow them to grow.
Lessons Continued…
Brains over Brawn – The rabbit
uses his brains to understand that Numskull will be blinded by flattery and pride, thus allowing the Rabbit to save the “people” of the kingdom without further bloodshed.
Moral