A Causeway
Story Summary
A wealthy woman returning from abroad is warned by a policeman about the mud that could soil her shoes, but she dismisses the concern until she learns that newspaper men are lying in her path, eager for her to tread upon them. This prompts her to humorously decide to put on rubber boots, illustrating a clever twist on social expectations in concise moral stories. Ultimately, the lesson learned from this very short moral story highlights the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the perceptions of others.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that true dignity and respect come from humility and self-awareness, rather than from wealth or status.
Historical Context
This story, "The Rich Woman," reflects the social dynamics and class disparities of late 19th to early 20th century America, a period marked by rapid urbanization and the rise of a wealthy elite. The narrative draws on the tradition of satire found in works by authors like Mark Twain and O. Henry, who often critiqued social norms and the absurdities of wealth through humor and irony. The image of the "prostrate newspaper men" serves as a poignant illustration of the societal expectations and interactions between the upper and lower classes during this era.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the disconnect between privilege and empathy, illustrating how wealth can create barriers to understanding the struggles of others. In modern life, a similar scenario might occur when a wealthy individual opts for luxury accommodations while ignoring the plight of local workers, choosing instead to only engage with them when it serves their own convenience—forcing a reminder to practice humility and respect for all, regardless of status.
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Related Collections
Other names for this story
"Path of Paper, The Muddy Journey, Shoes and Stockings, The Rich Woman's Walk, A Journey Through Mud, The Newspaper Causeway, Luxury Meets Reality, Boots on the Ground"
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques social class and the absurd lengths to which people will go to maintain appearances, illustrating the disparity between the wealthy and those who serve them. The rich woman's decision to wear rubber boots instead of stepping on the newspaper men highlights her awareness of privilege while also poking fun at societal expectations.
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