Meaning: The quote "All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable." by Walt Disney reflects the fundamental principles of animation and storytelling that have guided the work of Disney and other creators of animated content for generations. This quote encapsulates the essence of creating compelling and engaging characters and stories within the realm of animation and fables.

Walt Disney, the visionary animator and entrepreneur, was a pioneer in the field of animation and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of the entertainment industry. His insights into the nature of cartoon characters and fables offer valuable guidance for understanding the creative process and the unique qualities of animated storytelling.

When Disney refers to "exaggeration" and "caricatures" in the context of cartoon characters and fables, he is emphasizing the need for these elements to be larger than life and to embody distinctive, memorable traits. In the world of animation, characters often represent heightened versions of real-life individuals or archetypes, and their exaggerated features and behaviors serve to make them more visually and emotionally compelling to audiences. These exaggerated characteristics also help to convey the underlying themes and messages of the fables or stories being told.

Furthermore, Disney's assertion that exaggeration and caricature are inherent to the "very nature of fantasy and fable" underscores the imaginative and fantastical qualities that are central to the world of animated storytelling. In the realm of fantasy and fable, creators have the freedom to push the boundaries of reality and create worlds and characters that are whimsical, enchanting, and larger than life. By embracing exaggeration and caricature, animators and storytellers can imbue their creations with a sense of wonder and magic that captivates audiences of all ages.

In the context of animation, the concept of exaggeration is also closely tied to the principles of squash and stretch, a fundamental technique that gives characters a sense of weight, flexibility, and dynamism. This technique, often used in traditional hand-drawn animation as well as in modern computer-generated imagery (CGI), allows animators to convey a wide range of emotions and movements through the exaggerated deformation of characters and objects. This approach adds a dynamic and expressive quality to animated sequences, enhancing the overall impact of the storytelling.

Moreover, the use of caricature in animation serves to distill the essence of characters and personalities into easily recognizable and memorable traits. Through the art of caricature, animators can emphasize the unique features and mannerisms of characters, creating visual shorthand that instantly communicates their identities and motivations to the audience. This technique is particularly effective in fables and fairy tales, where characters often embody specific virtues, vices, or archetypal roles.

The influence of Walt Disney's philosophy on exaggeration and caricature can be seen throughout the history of animation, from the classic Disney films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Cinderella" to contemporary animated blockbusters like "Frozen" and "Moana." In each of these works, the characters and fables are brought to life through the vivid and expressive use of exaggeration and caricature, capturing the imagination of audiences around the world.

In conclusion, Walt Disney's quote about the nature of cartoon characters and fables as being rooted in exaggeration and caricature encapsulates the fundamental principles of animated storytelling and the creative process. By embracing these elements, animators and storytellers are able to craft compelling, larger-than-life characters and enchanting fables that resonate with audiences of all ages. Disney's enduring legacy in the world of animation continues to inspire and guide storytellers to create enduring works of fantasy and fable that captivate and delight audiences across the globe.