Reading Notes: Week 2 Anthology

This post will be exploring some stories and reading note-taking strategies that are new to me. I focused my notes on Aesop's fables about the lion that were included in this week's anthology. 

The Lion's Share

- A lion reasoned that he should get all of the hunt's spoil. The fox points out that it is strange that the lion would share the labor of the hunt, but not the spoils of it.

- Powerful people can take control of groups, even if they are outnumbered.

Androcles and the Lion

- Androcles is a slave that escapes, and saves a hurt lion. The lion and Androcles form a bond, until Androcles is captured again. When it comes time for him Androcles to be eaten, the lion recognizes him as a friend and licks his hand.

-The most important part of this fable is the unexpected relationship between the lion and the human, Androcles. Sometimes, unlikely friendships and partnerships make the most interesting stories, which I found to be the case. 

-The message of the plot of this story is to be kind and help others whenever it is possible. You never know when you are going to need the favor to be returned to you or need to ask for help yourself. 

-Another underlying idea of this story is not judging based on appearances. If Androcles had continued running from the lion, this friendship would have never been formed with the creature that could eventually save his life. 

The Lion and the Statue

-A lion points out to a man that the statue of Hercules triumphing over a lion is likely inaccurate. 

-When a story is told, the storyteller has controller of what is being told.

The Lion in Love

- A lion wants to marry a human girl, and the girl's parents tell the lion that they will consider it if the lion has his teeth and claws removed. The lion returns to the girl and she laughs at him.

- Love makes people give up major power.

Black and white lion image. Lion series by Erika Baars. Web source: Creative Commons. 

Bibliography

Jacobs, Joseph. The Fables of Aesop. 1894.