»Der Mensch ist zwar ein Mensch, und folglich keine Maus«. Zum Verhältnis von ›moralisatio‹ und Witzprinzip in Daniel Stoppes Fabel ›Die Maus in der Falle‹

Abstract

This paper focuses on the fables of Daniel Stoppe, which have hitherto been neglected in Germanic research. Looking at the fable ‘Die Maus in der Falle’ the particularities of its excessive narratio are highlighted, as characterised by an extensive plot structure, narrative descriptions and evaluations as well as allusions to traditional symbols. Elements of scholarly satire in confrontation with Stoics and the irony it engenders render the relationship to moralisatio problematic. Stoppe’s fables tie in with the French fable tradition through the principle of wit and were devalued in the context of the German language fable theories which appeared shortly after.