An Invitation
Story Summary
In "An Invitation," a Pious Person indulges in a feast and dreams of a world where turkeys rule, only to learn that being invited to dinner doesn't guarantee safety. He encounters the Supreme Gobbler, who ominously hints at the grim reality of their feasts, leading him to realize his fate as a meal. This humorous yet cautionary tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral, reminding readers that appearances can be deceiving, especially in the context of short bedtime stories with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that blindly accepting invitations without understanding the true intentions behind them can lead to dire consequences.
Historical Context
This story draws on the rich tradition of satirical fables, reminiscent of Aesop's tales, where animals symbolize human traits and societal critiques. The narrative reflects cultural attitudes toward Thanksgiving, particularly the irony of gratitude juxtaposed with the brutal reality of the holiday's feasting practices. Such themes have been explored in various literary forms, including modern retellings and critiques of consumerism and ritual in American culture.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced gratitude and blind trust in those in power, reminding us that not all invitations come with good intentions. In modern life, consider a scenario where an employee enthusiastically supports a company's unethical practices, believing their loyalty will be rewarded, only to find themselves laid off when the company faces backlash for its actions—illustrating how being "invited" to partake in a system does not guarantee protection or benefit.
You May Also Like
The Mourning Brothers
In the short story "The Mourning Brothers," an Old Man, sensing his death, challenges his sons to prove their sorrow by wearing weeds on their hats, promising his fortune to the one who endures the longest. After years of stubbornness, they agree to share the inheritance, only to discover that an Executor has taken control of the estate, leaving them with nothing. This tale, rich in folklore and moral lessons, highlights the consequences of hypocrisy and obstinacy, making it one of the best moral stories in short story collections.
The Ass and the Wolf
In "The Ass and the Wolf," a classic fable from the realm of moral stories written for both entertainment and instruction, an Ass feigns lameness to deceive a predatory Wolf. When the Wolf offers to help by removing a thorn, the Ass kicks him and escapes, prompting the Wolf to reflect on the folly of trying to heal instead of embracing his nature as a predator. This long story with moral highlights the importance of understanding one’s true role in life, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
The Sportsman and the Squirrel
In this wisdom-packed moral story, a Sportsman, after wounding a Squirrel, chases it with a stick, claiming he wishes to end its suffering. The Squirrel, defiantly revealing the hypocrisy of the Sportsman's actions, asserts its desire to survive despite its pain. Overcome with shame, the Sportsman ultimately refrains from harming the Squirrel and walks away, highlighting the value-based moral that true compassion must align with understanding and respect for life.
Other names for this story
Feast of Fowl, The Gobbler's Warning, Dinner with Turkeys, A Thanksgiving Dream, The Pious Person's Nightmare, Supremacy of the Feast, An Unlikely Invitation, The Dinner Dilemma
Did You Know?
This story cleverly uses satire to explore themes of gratitude and self-awareness, illustrating how the Pious Person's blind devotion to the ruling class (the turkeys) ultimately leads to his own demise, highlighting the irony of misplaced loyalty.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.