The correct option is B. Fable. Explanation of the Correct Answer A fable is a short narrative that often features animals as characters and conveys a moral lesson. The primary characteristics of a fable include:

1. Brevity: Fables are typically concise, often just a few paragraphs long, making them easy to read and remember.
2. Anthropomorphism: Animals in fables are given human traits, such as the ability to speak, think, and make decisions. This allows readers to relate to the characters and the moral lessons they embody.
3. Moral Lesson: Each fable concludes with a clear moral or lesson, often stated explicitly at the end. This moral serves to teach the reader about human behavior, ethics, or social norms.

Fables have been used throughout history in various cultures, with famous examples including Aesop's Fables, which feature well-known stories like "The Tortoise and the Hare" and "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." These stories not only entertain but also impart wisdom about virtues such as patience, honesty, and humility. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect A. Novel: - A novel is a long narrative work of fiction that explores complex themes, characters, and plots. Unlike fables, novels do not typically focus on conveying a single moral lesson and often involve multiple characters and subplots. Novels can be quite lengthy and are not limited to animal characters or moral teachings. C. Sonnet: - A sonnet is a poetic form that consists of 14 lines, usually written in iambic pentameter, and follows a specific rhyme scheme. Sonnets often explore themes of love, beauty, and nature, but they do not convey moral lessons through narratives or animal characters. Instead, they focus on emotional expression and poetic devices. D. Epic: - An epic is a lengthy narrative poem that tells the story of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Epics, such as Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey," are characterized by their grand scale, complex characters, and themes of heroism and adventure. They do not typically use animals as characters to convey moral lessons, making them quite different from fables. Summary of Key Points

• Fables are brief narratives featuring animals that convey moral lessons.
• They use anthropomorphism to make animals relatable and engaging.
• Each fable concludes with a clear moral, teaching readers about ethics and behavior.
• Other literary forms like novels, sonnets, and epics differ significantly in structure, purpose, and content, focusing on broader themes and complex narratives rather than concise moral teachings.

By understanding these distinctions, students can better appreciate the unique qualities of fables and their role in literature.