Setting

In this section, we will discuss the time, physical, and social setting of “A Fable” by Robert Fox.

Time and physical setting

The short story was first published in 1966. It is probably meant to be read as contemporary to the time when the story was written (indicated by the references to the subway commute and the man’s description of office work). However, because it is a modern fable which approaches themes such as materialism and a lack of identity, it is still relevant today. The time-setting is deliberately vague to suggest that it could apply to any modern era, adding to the fable-like quality. We only know it is a Monday morning (p. 31, l. 1).

The events take place in New York – this is indicated by the fact that the main character takes the subway to Manhattan (p. 31, l. 8). The writer also alludes to the crowded subway: “The car filled quickly and he looked up at the people standing over him envying his seat.” (p. 31, ll. 8-9)

Social setting

The main character in the story is a young man who lives in New York. He is starting his first day at his first job, but he does not know what the job involves (p. 31, ll. 2-3). He suggests th...