Final answer:
The primary purpose of a fable with a moral is to teach, providing ethical lessons woven into a narrative, often aimed at young audiences. Fables may also entertain and persuade, but their fundamental intention is educational.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an author uses a fable with a moral to present a message, the most likely purpose is to teach. Fables are a type of short story that typically feature animals as characters and end with a lesson or moral. The intent behind these stories is not merely to entertain but to impart wisdom or ethical principles. This teaching function is woven into the narrative to provide guidance on right and wrong behavior, illustrating the consequences of various actions through the story's outcome.
The targeted audience for fables is usually children, as these stories serve as easily understandable analogies for teaching societal norms and values. By utilizing animals and simple plots, the authors engage the young readers or listeners, making the moral lessons relatable and memorable.
However, stories, including fables, can have multiple purposes. Beyond teaching, they might also entertain or persuade the audience, depending on how the narrative is structured and the context in which it is presented.