Reynard the Fox: Analysis of Major Characters
"Reynard the Fox" is a collection of narrative tales featuring anthropomorphic animals, centered around the cunning character of Reynard, a fox known for his deceitful and crafty nature. Analysis of the major characters reveals a dynamic interplay between virtue and vice, where Reynard's cleverness often outsmarts those who represent strength and authority, such as Noble the lion, the king of beasts. Noble, despite his position, repeatedly falls victim to Reynard's lies, highlighting themes of gullibility and the subversion of traditional hierarchies.
Other key characters include Isegrim the wolf, who suffers personal losses due to Reynard's manipulations; Tibert the cat, who is betrayed when he defends Reynard; and Bruin the bear, who also falls into traps set by the fox. The interactions among these characters illustrate a society fraught with betrayal and the consequences of misplaced trust, as well as the complexities of justice as perceived by the king, who ultimately punishes the wrong parties based on Reynard's fabrications. This work not only entertains but also invites reflection on moral integrity and the nature of power in human society.
Reynard the Fox: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
Genre: Short fiction
Locale: Europe
Plot: Satire
Time: Tenth century
Reynard, the fox. So crafty and persuasive a liar is he, that he is at last made high bailiff of the country, though he has flagrantly cheated and injured all of the animals, including the king. Thus is craftiness set above mere strength.
Noble, the lion, king of beasts. He listens to the animals' grievances against Reynard, and even sentences the fox to death, but Reynard lies so cleverly about hidden treasure and treachery on the part of the others that the king frees him. Noble is similarly gulled a second time and on this occasion even makes Reynard high bailiff.
Isegrim, the wolf, whose children have been made blind by Reynard. Convinced of Isegrim's treason, the king gives the wolf's shoes to Reynard. After this, when the wolf and the fox are engaged in combat, Reynard persuades Isegrim to let him go with promises of rewards.
Tibert, the cat. He defends Reynard before the others until he has been tricked by the fox into jumping into a trap.
Bruin, the bear. Reynard's promises of honey lure him into a trap, and he is badly beaten before he escapes. Later, Reynard convinces the king that Bruin is plotting to replace him as ruler. Noble gives Bruin's skin to Reynard.
Grimbard, the brock (a badger). He defends Reynard before the court and even warns the fox of a plot against him.
Panther, who complains of Reynard to the king.
Chanticleer, the cock. His complaint is that Reynard deceived him into relaxing his vigilance by pretending to have given up eating flesh; Reynard then eats Chanticleer's children.
Kyward, the hare. He accompanies Reynard on a “pilgrimage” and is eaten by him.
Bellin, the ram, who goes with Reynard and Kyward. Deceived into thinking he is carrying a letter, he brings Kyward's head to the king. The furious king then gives the stupid ram and all his lineage to the wolf and the bear to atone for his misjudgment of them.