Subject : Basic Reading (Moral Values)
In this post, I will write something about moral values. The moral of a story is like a lesson which the author wishes to express to the reader about the values that can be learnt from a story.
Plot of The Short Story
Authors
Jacob Gole
Characters
Father and Three sons
Period and Country
18th Century / Spain
Three Sons and a Bundle of Sticks
Once upon a time, an old man lived with his three sons in a village. The three sons were hard workers. Still, they quarreled all the time. The old man tried a lot to unite them but he failed. Though the villagers appreciated their hard work and efforts, they made fun of them on their fights.
Months passed by and the old man fell sick. He told his sons to stay united, but they didn’t listen to him. So, he decided to teach them a practical lesson so that they would forget their differences and stay united.
The old man called his sons. He told them, “I will give you a bundle of sticks. Separate each stick and you will have to break each stick into two. The one who breaks the sticks quickly will be rewarded more.”
The sons agreed.
The old man gave a bundle of 10 sticks to each of them and asked them to break each stick into pieces. They broke the sticks into pieces in minutes.
And again, they started to quarrel among themselves as to who came first.
The old man said, “Dear sons, the game is not over. Now I will give another bundle of sticks to each of you. You will have to break the sticks as a bundle, not as separate sticks.”
The sons agreed and tried to break the bundle of sticks. Though they tried their best, they could not break the bundle. They failed to complete the task.
The three sons reported their failure to their father.
The old man replied, “Dear sons, See! You could easily break the single sticks into pieces, but you were not able to break the bundle! So, if you stay united, nobody can do any harm to you. If you quarrel every time with your brothers, anyone can easily defeat you. I request you to stay united.”
The three sons understood the power of unity and promised their father that whatever be the situation, they would all stay together.
Moral Values: Unity is Strength!
We have to realize that the power of unity can make us strong, so in whatever be the situation, we would all stay together.
The characters in the story are not specified. They are Father and Three sons. The story does not mention the names of the characters, but only mentions that the three children have differences that make them quarreled with each other.
In today’s fast-paced digital era, short stories are regaining popularity among readers. Short stories are compact and efficient literary works, capable of conveying profound moral messages in a brief period. In this article, we will delve into the moral values that can be found in short stories and why they are important for readers of all ages.
Moral Values in Short Stories
- Empathy
Short stories often present characters who go through various life struggles. Through these struggles, readers can hone their empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel the emotions of others. This skill is vital in everyday life for fostering harmonious relationships with those around us.
- Responsibility
Characters in short stories are often faced with situations that demand they take responsibility for their actions. In this process, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own responsibilities in life. Taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices is an essential aspect of personal growth and development.
- Perseverance
Many short stories feature protagonists who face numerous challenges and obstacles in their lives. By overcoming these difficulties, they demonstrate the importance of perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to persist in the face of adversity and not give up. This trait is essential for achieving success in any area of life.
- Compassion
Short stories often depict characters who show compassion towards others, even when it may not be convenient or easy. By witnessing these acts of compassion, readers are reminded of the importance of caring for others and the positive impact it can have on society as a whole.
- Integrity
Integrity is a moral value that often emerges in short stories. Characters may be placed in situations where they must choose between doing what is right and what is easy. By making the morally right choice, even at personal cost, these characters serve as role models for readers to emulate in their own lives.
- Forgiveness
In many short stories, forgiveness is a central theme. Characters may need to forgive others, themselves, or both. Learning to forgive is a powerful lesson, as it can lead to healing, personal growth, and improved relationships.
- Respect
Respect for oneself and others is another moral value often explored in short stories. Through various scenarios, characters learn the importance of treating others with dignity and consideration, regardless of their differences. This valuable lesson can be applied to real-life interactions and help create a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Why Moral Values Matter
Moral values found in short stories can help readers develop a strong ethical foundation, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of life. By internalizing these values, individuals can make better decisions, build healthier relationships, and contribute positively to society. Furthermore, these stories can serve as conversation starters, encouraging critical thinking and discussion around important ethical issues.
Conclusion
Short stories, though brief, have the power to convey deep moral values that can have a lasting impact on their readers. By exploring themes such as empathy, responsibility, perseverance, compassion, integrity, forgiveness, and respect, these stories offer valuable lessons that can be applied in various aspects of life. As we continue to face new challenges and ethical dilemmas, the moral values found in short stories remain relevant and essential for personal growth and the betterment of society as a whole.
