The Dutiful Son
Story Summary
In "The Dutiful Son," a millionaire unexpectedly visits his father at an almshouse, surprising a neighbor who doubted his commitment. The millionaire feels a moral obligation to visit, believing that if their roles were reversed, his father would do the same, and reveals he also needs his father's signature for a life insurance policy. This story serves as a quick moral story, highlighting themes of duty and familial responsibility, making it a valuable lesson for students.
A millionaire who had gone to an almshouse to visit his father encountered a neighbor during his visit. The neighbor was greatly surprised to see him there.
"What!" exclaimed the neighbor, "you do sometimes visit your father?"
The millionaire replied, "If our situations were reversed, I am sure he would visit me. The old man has always been rather proud of me."
He paused for a moment, then added softly, "Besides, I had to have his signature; I am insuring his life."
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story highlights the importance of genuine familial love over selfish motives, suggesting that true duty to family should not be driven by personal gain.
Historical Context
This story explores themes of familial obligation and societal perception, reminiscent of Charles Dickens' critiques of wealth and class disparities in Victorian England. The narrative echoes the sentiment found in literary works highlighting the often complex relationships between affluent individuals and their less fortunate family members, illustrating how societal roles can obscure genuine emotional connections. The story can be seen as a modern retelling of classic moral tales that question the integrity of relationships influenced by wealth and status.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the complexities of familial relationships and the often transactional nature of human connections, especially in the face of wealth disparity. In modern life, this can be seen in a scenario where a successful entrepreneur, despite having little time for family, only reaches out to aging parents when seeking their support for a business venture, reflecting a relationship that prioritizes utility over genuine connection.
You May Also Like
The Dolphins the Whales and the Sprat
In "The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat," a fierce war erupts between dolphins and whales, highlighting the stubbornness often found in conflicts. When a Sprat offers to mediate their dispute, the dolphins reject his help, preferring destruction over accepting interference from a smaller fish. This quick read serves as a moral story for students, illustrating the consequences of pride and the refusal to seek assistance.
The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree
In "The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree," a classic among famous moral stories, the Olive Tree ridicules the Fig Tree for shedding its leaves with the seasons. However, when heavy snow falls, the Olive's lush branches break under the weight, leading to its demise, while the bare Fig Tree remains unharmed. This popular moral story illustrates that what may seem like a disadvantage can sometimes be a blessing, making it a valuable lesson in short moral tales and bedtime moral stories.
The Bull and the Calf
In "The Bull and the Calf," a classic short moral story, an experienced Bull struggles to navigate a narrow passage to his stall. When a young Calf offers to help, the Bull arrogantly dismisses him, claiming he knows the way better than the Calf, highlighting a timeless lesson about the value of humility and accepting guidance. This tale serves as an engaging example of moral stories for young readers, teaching important life lessons.
Other names for this story
The Loyal Heir, A Son's Promise, The Millionaire's Dilemma, Pride and Duty, A Visit of Love, The Insured Legacy, A Father's Love, The Caring Millionaire
Did You Know?
This story explores the themes of familial obligation and the complex nature of relationships, suggesting that wealth can create emotional distance even in close family ties, as the millionaire's visit is motivated by financial gain rather than genuine affection.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.