Final answer:
The theme of honesty in the fable is developed by highlighting the honest woodman's actions compared to the other greedy woodmen, underlining the value of integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the fable, the theme of honesty is developed not by depicting Mercury as a forgiving god, or by establishing the setting as dark and ominous, but rather by contrasting the honest woodman's actions with those of the others. The honest woodman's decision to speak the truth, despite the risk of losing a valuable treasure, is a direct illustration of the theme that honesty has inherent value, regardless of the outcome for the individual. The author uses the character flaws of the other woodmen, who exhibit greed and dishonesty, to enhance the protagonist’s virtue by comparison. This sharp contrast accentuates the theme: the worth of being honest is greater than any materialistic gain. By focusing on the honorable behavior of a single character within a corrupt society, the author successfully conveys this message throughout the narrative.
Much like Twain's works and the playwright’s tales, these stories with complex characters and vivid settings lead the audience to reflect upon various themes and ideas, with honesty emerging as a prominent one in this particular fable. Literature often explores moral complexities rather than straightforward moral truisms, and it is essential to consider this when analyzing theme development. Through the honest woodman's choice and the consequences that followed, readers learn about the value and impact of integrity.