Jotham’s Fable

Regarded as the »strongest anti-monarchical piece in world literature« (Buber), Jotham's fable seems to be a clear call for resistance. However, an in-depth analysis of the nature imagery reveals another understanding of the fable that cautions against the supposedly anti-monarchical stance. Although the trees' symbolism has been discussed at length, there has been little consideration of the concept of nature underlying the responses the different trees give. This concept comprises the plant world's harmonious system, which is less interested in political systems than in justice. With this concept, a deeper understanding emerges of how Jotham's fable could have incited and may lead to (non-)violent resistance.