Aesophypocrisy

The Mourning Brothers

In the short story "The Mourning Brothers," an Old Man, sensing his death, challenges his sons to prove their sorrow by wearing weeds on their hats, promising his fortune to the one who endures the longest. After years of stubbornness, they agree to share the inheritance, only to discover that an Executor has taken control of the estate, leaving them with nothing. This tale, rich in folklore and moral lessons, highlights the consequences of hypocrisy and obstinacy, making it one of the best moral stories in short story collections.

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The Mourning Brothers - Aesop's Fable illustration about hypocrisy, greed, consequence

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Reveal Moral

"Hypocrisy and stubbornness can lead to self-inflicted loss and regret."

In this wisdom-packed moral story, a Sportsman, after wounding a Squirrel, chases it with a stick, claiming he wishes to end its suffering. The Squirrel, defiantly revealing the hypocrisy of the Sportsman's actions, asserts its desire to survive despite its pain. Overcome with shame, the Sportsman ultimately refrains from harming the Squirrel and walks away, highlighting the value-based moral that true compassion must align with understanding and respect for life.

SportsmanSquirrel

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religious intoleranceAesop's Fables

Religions of Error

In "Religions of Error," a Christian in the Orient witnesses the violent conflict between Buddhists and Mohammedans, reflecting on the animosities that divide faiths. Despite acknowledging the brutality of religious intolerance, he smugly concludes that his own religion is the only true and benevolent one, illustrating a moral lesson for young readers about the dangers of arrogance and the need for understanding among different beliefs. This easy small story with a moral encourages students to learn from the flawed perceptions that lead to conflict.

ChristianDragoman

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greedAesop's Fables

The Eligible Son-in-Law

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.

Truly Pious PersonTatterdemalion

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Quick Facts

Age Group: adult
kids
children
story for class 5
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme: hypocrisy
greed
consequence
Characters: Old Man
Sons
Executor

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The Mourning Brothers

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