The Man and His Wife
Story Summary
In this simple short story with a moral, a man discovers that his wife is disliked by everyone in his household. To gauge her reception elsewhere, he sends her to visit her father's home, only to learn upon her return that even the herdsmen and shepherds treated her with aversion. This leads him to conclude that if she is despised by those who see her briefly, her reception among family, with whom she spent more time, must have been even worse, illustrating the value-based lesson that small signs can indicate larger truths.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The way we are perceived by those who interact with us regularly often reflects our true character.
Historical Context
This story, known as "The Wife Who Was Hated" from the collection of fables and folklore, reflects themes of social dynamics and interpersonal relationships common in various cultures. It shares similarities with Aesop's Fables and other moral tales that illustrate the consequences of one's behavior and the insights that can be gleaned from the perceptions of others. The narrative highlights the universal truth that how one is treated by those around them often mirrors their character and actions, a motif found in many storytelling traditions worldwide.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of self-awareness and the impact one’s behavior has on others, serving as a reminder that if a person's negative traits are evident in various settings, they likely reflect deeper issues. In modern life, consider a manager who is consistently met with resistance and resentment from their team; if even external partners express discomfort in their presence, it may indicate that the manager needs to reassess their leadership style and interpersonal skills.
You May Also Like
The Mischievous Dog
In this easy small story with moral, a mischievous dog bites unsuspecting people, prompting his master to attach a bell to announce his presence. Proud of his new accessory, the dog parades around, unaware that the bell signifies disgrace rather than distinction. This fable illustrates how notoriety can be mistaken for fame, offering a valuable lesson for personal growth.
The Ass in the Lion Skin
In "The Ass in the Lion's Skin," a foolish ass dons a lion's skin to frighten other animals, but his true identity is revealed when he brays. This entertaining moral story illustrates that while appearances can be deceiving, one's true nature will ultimately shine through. The tale serves as a thought-provoking reminder that even the most unique disguises cannot conceal foolishness, as the Fox astutely points out.
The Shadow of the Leader
In "The Shadow of the Leader," a political leader is taken aback when his shadow unexpectedly detaches and races away. When he calls it back, the shadow cleverly retorts that if it were truly a scoundrel, it wouldn't have abandoned him, cleverly reflecting on the leader's own questionable character. This funny story with moral echoes themes found in popular moral stories, reminding us that our actions often reveal our true selves.
Other names for this story
"Household Hatred, The Disliked Wife, A Visit to Her Father, Unveiling True Feelings, The Aversion Test, A Man's Dilemma, The Wife's Return, Discontent in the Home"
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the theme of social perception and the idea that one's character can influence how they are treated by others, suggesting that the opinions of those who interact with a person daily often reflect deeper truths about their nature. The metaphor "Straws show how the wind blows" emphasizes that small signs can reveal larger truths about relationships and character.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.