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