Library / Fantastic Fables

King Log and King Stork

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

Satire for older readers

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King Log and King Stork

The people, dissatisfied with a Democratic legislature that took only what little they had, made the choice to elect a Republican legislature. However, this new government not only seized all their possessions but also demanded a promissory note for the remaining balance owed. This debt was secured by a mortgage on their very hope for a better future, leaving them in a state of despair and uncertainty.

The moral
Switching from one corrupt leadership to another can lead to even greater exploitation and loss.

Discussion questions

  1. What do you think the people expected from King Stork that led them to choose him over King Log?
  2. How does the story illustrate the consequences of a poorly thought-out decision to change leadership?
  3. In what ways can this story be related to current events or real-world situations regarding leadership?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane