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Bell Ringer 2/28: What knowledge must you have to be an effective ruler? Why?. Panchatantra. Numskull and the Rabbit. Background. Title means – “a treatise in five chapters” Contains fables designed to provide instruction for princes
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Bell Ringer 2/28: What knowledge must you have to be an effective ruler? Why?
Panchatantra Numskull and the Rabbit
Background • 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.
Literary Terms • 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
Lessons • 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 Continued… • 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.
Moral • 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.