To understand the poem, it is important to know the historical context and biography of Jean de La Fontaine. Born in 1621, La Fontaine is a French poet of the 17th century, mainly known for his fables. He is one of the greatest fabulists in French literature.

"The Animals Sick with the Plague" was written at a time when France was ravaged by the plague, a deadly disease that caused numerous deaths. La Fontaine takes advantage of this situation to create a fable featuring animals who contract a disease similar to the plague.

The poem consists of four parts. Each part presents different animals who are affected by the disease. The main characters of the fable are the lion, the king of the animals, and the fox, a symbol of cunning and cleverness.

The structure of the poem is organized around dialogues among the sick animals, as well as reflections and moral lessons expressed by the narrator. These dialogues and moral lessons allow La Fontaine to deliver a moral or satirical message to the reader.

"The Animals Sick with the Plague" is a fable that criticizes the vices and faults of human society through the allegory of animals. La Fontaine uses anthropomorphism to give the animals human characteristics and make his message more accessible.

The lion, as the king of the animals, symbolizes power and tyranny. It also represents the irresponsibility and negligence of leaders. The fox, on the other hand, represents opportunism and cunning, taking advantage of the situation.

The poem highlights the selfish and opportunistic behavior of certain individuals, putting the community as a whole at risk. The disease, symbolizing the plague in this case, represents the consequences of these vices and the need for collective awareness.