The literary man Augusto Monterroso He was born in the city of Tegucigalpa in 1921. He was known as Tito Monterroso and from a very young age he dedicated himself to his self-taught training. He grew up in Honduras, but acquired Guatemalan nationality when he came of age. He also lived several years in Mexico during his exile and there he deepened his foray into the literary field.
He worked at the Guatemalan embassy in Mexico and married the renowned writer Bárbara Jacobs. His narrative style can be taken as simple, sarcastic, critical and very witty, in fact, many consider that his writing is somewhat indefinite since it oscillates between fable and short story, but always with a clear sense of humor that characterizes. In 2003, at the age of 83, he died after heart failure. He is one of the most recognized Latin American authors of recent times.
Best-known fables of Augusto Monterroso
The black sheep
Summary: In a distant country, a black sheep was born that, being so different from the others, was sacrificed by the flock. Years later, the white sheep regretted the act and sculpted a statue in her honor. And so, it continued to be for each black sheep that was born, so that the common white sheep perfected their art with each sculpture they erected.
Moral: Instead of pointing out and condemning difference as something bad, we must accept it to avoid the regret that arrogance and indifference always generates.
The chameleon who finally didn’t know what color to wear
Summary: In a jungle country, animals began to use a strategy to counteract the chameleon who engaged in politics with ambiguity and hypocrisy. They used colored glass to see the chameleon and then each other, in a specific color according to the need. Thus the entire city was blinded to the colors of reality by all the colored crystals that were apparently superimposed.
Moral: Opinions may vary depending on the tone given and each person’s perspective. In political issues, colors are usually changed depending on the circumstances to cushion the facts, and you have to be careful with this.
The Master Cricket
Summary: At school, the principal was passing by the classrooms and stopped to listen to the teacher cricket’s lesson. He told his students that there was no sound more beautiful and harmonious than that of crickets, and that for his part, the birds made a mistake when using their throat to emit what they called sounds in the art of singing. The director, who was also a cricket, was glad that the teachings continued as they did in his time.
Moral: Everyone has different abilities and no one is better than the other. Some will believe that their ways are the best and refusing new opportunities and alternatives is a blinding mistake.
The frog that wanted to be a real frog
Summary: A frog wanted to be completely authentic, he started by looking in the mirror to find a way, then he began to comb his hair and groom himself so that others could verify his authenticity, going so far as to do anything to achieve it. In the end, some cooked and tasted its legs, agreeing, despite themselves, that the frog tasted like chicken.
Moral: You will hardly find authenticity in the opinions of others, nor by following other people’s opinions in search of approval. Your own judgment is worth more.
The giraffe who suddenly understood that everything is relative
Summary: A giraffe, who was clueless, got lost in the jungle and ended up, unintentionally, on a battlefield. The enemy sides faced each other causing great losses and everyone died believing they were fighting heroically, each side claimed to be making history. Suddenly, a bullet almost flew into the giraffe’s head, and from the same perspective with which he was looking at the useless war, he understood that if she were taller or the cannon was lower, it would undoubtedly have hit the target and I would die. He suddenly understood that everything was relative.
Moral: It is good to know that everything in life is relative and that depending on the times and circumstances you can believe in something that is considered unique or the truth of history.
The owl who wanted to save humanity
Summary: An owl, who cared about others, set out to study humanity so he could do something about it. The more he analyzed the shortcomings of others and their relationships, the more he realized that it was necessary to put himself in the situation of others for there to be justice. This required an effort, apparently unnatural, so the animals laughed and nothing changed.
Moral: Every change requires that everyone be aware of the need to do so. No one changes because another wants it, whether it is for their own good or for that of their community.