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The Eligible Son-in-Law

folktale
2 min read
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The Eligible Son-in-Law
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Story Summary

In "The Eligible Son-in-Law," a pious banker is approached by a shabby man seeking a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, claiming he will soon marry the banker's daughter, presenting this as the best security. The banker, unable to see the flaw in this scheme of mutual benefit, agrees to the loan, illustrating the themes often found in short moral tales that emphasize the importance of discernment and the potential pitfalls of blind trust. This folklore-like story serves as a motivational tale for personal growth, reminding readers to critically assess promises that seem too good to be true.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The story illustrates how superficial assessments of worth and security based on appearances and convenience can lead to misguided decisions.

Historical Context

This story reflects the themes of financial transactions and social maneuvering often found in fables and folk tales, particularly those that critique societal values surrounding wealth and marriage. It bears resemblance to traditional tales from various cultures where characters use wit and cunning to navigate relationships and economic exchanges, such as the tales of Aesop or the moral stories in "The Panchatantra." The humorous twist on the societal expectations of marriage and wealth highlights the absurdities of human behavior in pursuit of financial gain and social status.

Our Editors Opinion

This story illustrates the folly of prioritizing superficial appearances and promises over genuine character and integrity in relationships, a lesson still relevant in modern life, where financial and social status can often overshadow true values. For example, in today's dating culture, someone might be tempted to pursue a relationship based solely on a partner's wealth or social standing, neglecting to consider their character, leading to potential heartache and disillusionment.

Other names for this story

The Loaning Suitor, The Wealthy Gambit, A Match for Money, The Pious Banker’s Dilemma, The Suitor's Proposal, A Golden Marriage Offer, Love and Loans, The Strategic Son-in-Law

Did You Know?

This story humorously critiques societal values around wealth and marriage, illustrating how financial gain can overshadow genuine relationships and moral considerations, as the banker prioritizes monetary security over the true worth of familial bonds.

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Story Details

Age Group
adult
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme
greed
deception
social status
Characters
Truly Pious Person
Tatterdemalion
daughter
wife
Setting
savings bank
home
wife's location

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