A Talisman
Story Summary
In the short bedtime story "A Talisman," a Prominent Citizen tries to evade jury duty by submitting a physician's certificate claiming he suffers from softening of the brain. The Judge humorously dismisses his excuse, stating that he indeed possesses a brain, highlighting the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities. This thought-provoking moral story serves as a valuable lesson for young readers about accountability and the futility of trying to avoid one's duties.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that true wisdom and discernment often reveal themselves through actions rather than mere appearances or claims.
Historical Context
This story plays on the themes of irony and satire that are prevalent in judicial and comedic literature. It echoes elements of Aesop's Fables, where moral lessons are conveyed through clever anecdotes, and has parallels in the works of writers like Ambrose Bierce, who often critiqued social norms and human folly. The humorous twist highlights the absurdity of certain societal roles and expectations, particularly in the context of civic duty and intelligence.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of personal responsibility and integrity in civic duties, reminding us that avoiding accountability under false pretenses is ultimately self-defeating. For example, in a workplace setting, an employee might try to dodge a challenging project by feigning illness, but this not only undermines their credibility but also erodes trust within their team, demonstrating that true character is revealed through how we confront our obligations.
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Other names for this story
"The Juror's Secret, The Judge's Dilemma, Brain Over Matter, Talisman of Truth, The Excused Juror, A Witness to Wit, Softening the Verdict, The Certificate Conundrum"
Did You Know?
This story cleverly critiques societal pretensions and the lengths to which individuals will go to evade civic duty, highlighting the irony that the judge perceives the citizen's excuse as a reflection of their intellect rather than a legitimate ailment.
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