The Man and the Flea

"The Man and the Flea" by Jean de La Fontaine is a satirical fable that explores the power dynamics and standards of justice in society. Through the interaction between a flea and a man who seeks to kill it, the book exposes the often irrational and biased ways that power is executed, using a simple, engaging narrative that appeals to both children and adults.

• Fable

								
People pray to and weary the gods, now and then,
About trifles unworthy to interest men;
Thinking Providence cruel unless it contrives
To design to their likings the whole of their lives.
Why believe that Olympus should study us more
Than it studied the Greeks and the Trojans of yore?

A gaby was bit on the shoulder, one night,
By a Flea, which took refuge instanter in flight.
"O Hercules, Hercules, prithee come down,
And exterminate Fleas!" cried the suppliant clown.
"O Jupiter, strike with your lightning the beasts,
And avenge me on them and their horrible feasts!"

To punish a Flea, 'twould be rather a wonder
If gods went to work with their clubs and their thunder.
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