The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock
Story Summary
In "The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock," a birdcatcher faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between a pleading tamed partridge and a young cock for dinner. Both birds highlight their unique contributions to his life, but ultimately, the birdcatcher's necessity for food trumps compassion, illustrating a thought-provoking moral about the conflicts between survival and empathy. This short tale serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, even the best moral stories reveal the harsh realities of human choices.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that necessity often forces us to make difficult choices, even at the expense of those who serve us well.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in ancient fables, particularly those attributed to Aesop, which often explore moral dilemmas and the interplay between necessity and compassion. The narrative reflects cultural values surrounding the relationship between humans and animals, highlighting the utilitarian perspective that often governs these interactions. Variants of this tale can be seen in various cultures, where the sacrifice of a helpful creature for immediate needs underscores the tension between survival instincts and ethical considerations.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the conflict between immediate needs and long-term benefits, reminding us that in the pursuit of survival, we often sacrifice valuable relationships or resources. In modern life, this can be seen in the workplace when companies prioritize short-term profits over employee well-being; for instance, a tech firm might lay off experienced staff to cut costs, unaware that the loss of their expertise could hinder future innovation and productivity.
You May Also Like
The Lamb and the Wolf
In the simple short story "The Lamb and the Wolf," a Wolf chases a Lamb that finds refuge in a Temple. When the Wolf warns the Lamb that he would be sacrificed by the Priest, the Lamb wisely replies that being sacrificed is preferable to being eaten by the Wolf. This quick moral story highlights the theme of choosing a less harmful fate over a more dangerous one, making it a meaningful story with moral lessons suitable for class 7.
The Ass the Cock and the Lion
In "The Ass the Cock and the Lion," a tale that embodies value-based moral stories, a Cock's loud crowing scares away a hungry Lion, instilling false confidence in the Ass. Believing he can confront the Lion, the Ass foolishly pursues him, only to be caught and killed. This short and sweet moral story teaches that misplaced bravery can lead to dangerous consequences, offering a valuable lesson in humility.
A Saying Of Socrates
In this wisdom-packed moral story, Socrates faces criticism for the size and design of his new house, as many claim it is unworthy of him. However, he wisely reflects that the house is actually too large for his few true friends, highlighting the rarity of genuine friendship amidst the many who profess to be friends. This classic moral story serves as a timeless lesson for students about the true nature of companionship, making it ideal for moral stories for class 7.
Other names for this story
The Birdcatcher's Dilemma, The Partridge's Plea, The Cock's Warning, Dinner of Necessity, The Tamed Birds' Fate, A Trap for Survival, The Cost of Dinner, The Feathered Friends' Bargain
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of necessity versus compassion, highlighting how survival often forces individuals to make difficult choices, even at the expense of those who provide valuable services or companionship. The Birdcatcher's dilemma reflects the harsh realities of life, where practical needs can overshadow emotional attachments.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.