The freedom of the parable is that it need not risk or defend any merely real universe.
The vulgar reading of the parable presumes a real universe of talking foxes and thieving crows.
The sublime reading of the parable is that it presumes the only real universe at all, while carrying the torch for a disposable entertainment.
The imagination of the vulgar reading is that it begs description.
The imagination of the sublime reading is that it risks only fiction.
The ways in which the parable is not an argument at all.
The ways in which we attach no real names to parables, loving as we do any real universe.
The ways the parable only serves its readers.
Like a mere reading machine, or 'device'.
Like Aesop's parable of the fox and the crow: all song, no meat.
The vulgar reading of the parable presumes a real universe of talking foxes and thieving crows.
The sublime reading of the parable is that it presumes the only real universe at all, while carrying the torch for a disposable entertainment.
The imagination of the vulgar reading is that it begs description.
The imagination of the sublime reading is that it risks only fiction.
The ways in which the parable is not an argument at all.
The ways in which we attach no real names to parables, loving as we do any real universe.
The ways the parable only serves its readers.
Like a mere reading machine, or 'device'.
Like Aesop's parable of the fox and the crow: all song, no meat.
