The Discontented Malefactor
Story Summary
In the unique moral story "The Discontented Malefactor," a judge sentences a criminal to three years in prison and attempts to impart a lesson on the drawbacks of crime and the benefits of reform. The malefactor, uninterested in reformation, humorously requests to extend his sentence to ten years in exchange for skipping the moral lecture, showcasing a clever twist in this concise moral story. This short story with moral lessons highlights the complexities of human nature and the resistance to change, making it a thought-provoking bedtime moral story.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that some individuals may prefer punishment over the moral lessons that come with it, highlighting a resistance to personal reform and the value of accountability.
Historical Context
This story reflects a common theme in literature and folklore where characters confront authority figures, often through wit and irony, to challenge societal norms about punishment and morality. The trope of a clever malefactor outsmarting a judge can be traced back to various cultural narratives, including fables and satirical tales from ancient Greece and Rome, as well as more modern retellings in literature and theater that critique legal systems and explore human behavior. The interplay between justice and personal accountability is a recurring motif in these narratives, underscoring the often absurd nature of punishment and reform.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the human tendency to seek the path of least resistance, even when faced with the consequences of our actions. In modern life, this can be seen in how some individuals may prefer to serve a sentence rather than confront the deeper issues that led to their criminal behavior, such as attending rehabilitation programs or engaging in personal reflection. For instance, a young adult caught shoplifting might opt for community service instead of attending mandatory counseling sessions that address underlying issues like financial desperation or low self-esteem, demonstrating a reluctance to engage in the hard work of personal growth.
You May Also Like
A Talisman
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.
The Tried Assassin
In "The Tried Assassin," a courtroom drama unfolds as an assassin stands trial in a New England court. His counsel argues for dismissal based on a previous acquittal in California, invoking the principle of "once in jeopardy." However, the judge denies the motion, stating that an assassin is not considered to be in jeopardy when tried in California, allowing the trial to proceed—a reflection of the complexities found in popular moral stories and animal stories with moral lessons.
An Unspeakable Imbecile
In "An Unspeakable Imbecile," a judge poses a final question to a convicted assassin before sentencing him to death, seeking any last words. The assassin, dismissing the notion that his words could alter his fate, delivers a sharp insult, labeling the judge an "unspeakable old imbecile." This engaging moral tale highlights the futility of defiance in the face of inevitable consequences while offering simple lessons from stories about the respect for authority and the weight of one's words.
Other names for this story
The Unrepentant Criminal, A Malefactor's Plea, The Judge's Dilemma, Crime and Commutation, The Reluctant Convict, Sentenced to Silence, The Penitentiary Paradox, Reform or Retribution
Did You Know?
This story humorously highlights the theme of human nature's aversion to self-improvement, suggesting that individuals often prefer the certainty of punishment over the discomfort of moral introspection and change.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.