The Life-Savers
Story Summary
In this humorous story with a moral, seventy-five law enforcement officers approach the President of the Humane Society seeking a gold medal for life-saving, claiming to have saved one life each. The President, impressed by their collective achievement, awards them the medal and recommends them for jobs at life-boat stations, blissfully unaware that their success came from apprehending two outlaws rather than traditional rescue efforts. This quick read story cleverly illustrates the unexpected outcomes of actions and the importance of understanding the true nature of one's achievements.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
True heroism often lies in the commitment to uphold justice and protect others, rather than in individual acts of bravery.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of heroism and societal recognition, common in late 19th to early 20th-century American literature, where valor in service was celebrated. It resonates with the tradition of valorous tales found in folk legends and moral stories, often highlighting unexpected or ironic outcomes, reminiscent of works by authors like Mark Twain and O. Henry, who frequently explored the complexities of morality and social expectations. The narrative critiques the nature of recognition and the sometimes absurd criteria for heroism, paralleling the evolving American identity during a time of rapid social change and the valorization of law enforcement.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of collective responsibility and the often-overlooked contributions of individuals working within a system. In modern life, this can be reflected in scenarios like a police department where officers may be celebrated for a successful operation, even if the success is a result of many people's efforts rather than individual heroics, reminding us that teamwork and collaboration are crucial in achieving significant outcomes.
You May Also Like
The Man of Principle
In "The Man of Principle," a Keeper at a zoological garden encounters a stubborn man seeking shelter from the rain beneath an ostrich, despite the imminent danger it poses. The man, embodying the essence of a moral story, insists on staying until the ostrich kicks him out, having already swallowed his umbrella, illustrating the folly of rigid principles over practical safety. This engaging moral tale serves as a simple short story with a profound lesson on the importance of adaptability in the face of risk.
The Kingdom of the Lion
In "The Kingdom of the Lion," a just and gentle Lion unites the beasts of the field and forest with a proclamation for a universal league, promising peace among all creatures, regardless of their strength. However, the instinctive fear of the Hare, who longs for safety yet flees in terror, underscores the challenges of true coexistence and highlights the moral complexities in this simple short story. This entertaining moral tale serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties in achieving harmony, making it a fitting read for class 7.
The Bull and the Goat
In "The Bull and the Goat," a thought-provoking moral story, a Bull seeking refuge from a Lion is unexpectedly attacked by a He-Goat in a cave. The Bull calmly asserts that his true fear lies with the Lion, not the Goat, illustrating the moral lesson about the evil disposition of those who take advantage of a friend in distress. This meaningful story with moral highlights the importance of recognizing true threats and the nature of malicious behavior.
Other names for this story
Heroic Pursuit, Medal of Valor, Lawmen's Triumph, Coastline Guardians, Life-Saving Legends, Brave Rescuers, Outlaws and Heroes, The Rescue Brigade
Did You Know?
This story highlights the irony in how societal recognition often overlooks the collective effort of individuals who work within structured systems, such as law enforcement, to save lives, emphasizing that heroism can come in forms that are not always immediately visible or celebrated.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.
Explore More Stories
Story Details
- Age Group
- adultkidschildrenstory for class 4story for class 5story for class 6story for class 7story for class 8
- Theme
- courageteamworkheroism
- Characters
- Seventy-five MenPresident of the Humane SocietySpokesman of the Mentwo murderous outlaws
- Setting
- Humane Society headquarterscoastlife-boat stationslaw enforcement offices