What is a parable?

• A. A short story with a moral lesson
• B. A lengthy historical chronicle
• C. A type of liturgical hymn
• D. A mathematical allegory

Answer: (A)

A parable is a short narrative that conveys a moral or practical lesson through a simple, relatable situation. The power of a parable lies in using everyday life to illuminate a deeper truth about how to act, often prompting reflection or decision about how to live. Parables are typically concise and focused on one main idea, making the lesson memorable without getting bogged down in details.

This helps explain why the option describing a short story with a moral lesson is the best fit. It captures the essence of a parable as a brief tale designed to teach or illustrate a principle. The other choices describe different forms—one is a long historical account, another a worship song, and the last a symbolic, abstract form with mathematical intent—none of which aim to teach through a simple, real-world story in the same way.