A Fable

A Fable is a 1954 historical fiction novel by William Faulkner. Set during World War I, the plot follows the sudden outbreak of peace along the western front. The characters are largely analogous to the biblical story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The novel won numerous prizes on release, including the 1955 Pulitzer Prize.

This guide is written using the fourth printing of the 1954 Random House edition.

Content Warning: This guide discusses depictions of graphic violence and suicide.

Plot Summary

A Fable is set in France in May 1918. On the western front of the war, the French, American, and British forces face off across “no-man’s land” (42) against the Germans. The war has raged for four years and millions of people are dead. The French countryside has been destroyed. On a Monday morning, General Gragnon plans an attack. When he orders his men to climb out of the trenches and advance toward the German trench, however, the men simply refuse. As such, 3,000 men collectively institute an unplanned armistice. The French, British, and American forces expect the German army to take advantage of this sudden cessation in hostilities. However, the German soldiers also refuse to attack.