The young man

The young man is the main character in “A Fable” by Robert Fox. He is not given a name, a specific age, or a specific job because his identity is not important, and the story rather focuses on his lack of identity. He represents a stereotype in the narration, much like a character in a fable, used to convey a message to the reader.

The writer makes little reference in the story to his outer characterization. Few details are given about this character’s life: he is about to start the first day at his first job (p. 31, l. 2), he does not own a car, and he plans to get a big house (p. 32, l. 45 – p. 33, ll. 1-4). Also, the narrator describes him as “clean shaven and neatly dressed” (p. 31, l. 1). Later in the story, he blushes (p. 31, l. 26) as he approaches the girl he is attracted to.

The young man’s inner characterization is constructed through the narrator’s description, and through his language and actions.

The man is on his way to work; it is his first day on his first job and, although slightly nervous, he is very happy and feels affectionate towards everything he sees: “He loved everybody he saw. He loved everybody on the street and everybody disappearing into the subway, and he loved the world because it was a fine clear day and he was starting his first job.” (p. 31, ll. 2-6). Even though he does not know what he will do (p. 31, l.3), he is optimistic about his job. He sees the world as a beautiful place but not because of certain qualities it has, but because he is now employed. He is self-centered - he believes the world is a good place when his own life is good.

He finds a seat in the crowded Manhattan-bound subway train “without kicking anybody” (p. 31, l. 7). This alludes to a common stereotype – the rude New York subway rider, who pushes others out of the way to get a seat. It is unclear whether the young m...