MoralFables.com

The Nightside of Character

moral story
2 min read
0 comments
The Nightside of Character
0:000:00

Story Summary

A successful editor seeks to marry his old friend's daughter, but after revealing a scrapbook detailing his questionable character, he faces a dramatic fallout. In a twist reminiscent of concise moral stories and fable stories with moral lessons, he receives a rejection and is subsequently committed to an asylum for his indiscretion, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The story illustrates that the pursuit of reputation can obscure one's true character, ultimately leading to one's downfall when confronted with the consequences of dishonesty.

Historical Context

This story appears to reflect themes of social satire and the duality of public persona versus private character, common in 19th-century literature. Its tone and elements suggest influences from the works of authors like Mark Twain and Nathaniel Hawthorne, who often explored moral ambiguity and the complexities of human nature. The narrative's focus on a character's self-deception and the consequences of pride could also draw from earlier folk tales and parables that critique vanity and hypocrisy in society.

Our Editors Opinion

This story highlights the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of authenticity in modern life, where individuals often curate their public personas while concealing their flaws. In a real-life scenario, a successful executive might present themselves as a model leader in a corporate setting, but if their unethical business practices come to light, it could lead to their downfall, illustrating that true character is ultimately revealed, and integrity matters more than reputation.

You May Also Like

The Swollen Fox

The Swollen Fox

In this famous moral story, a hungry fox indulges in bread and meat found in a hollow oak, only to become trapped due to his gluttony. Another fox advises him that he must wait until he loses weight to escape, illustrating the life-changing moral that moderation is key. This concise moral story serves as a reminder of the consequences of overindulgence.

gluttony
consequences of actions
Fox
shepherds
The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock

The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock

In "The Birdcatcher the Partridge and the Cock," a birdcatcher faces a moral dilemma when he must choose between a pleading tamed partridge and a young cock for dinner. Both birds highlight their unique contributions to his life, but ultimately, the birdcatcher's necessity for food trumps compassion, illustrating a thought-provoking moral about the conflicts between survival and empathy. This short tale serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, even the best moral stories reveal the harsh realities of human choices.

Survival
Sacrifice
Birdcatcher
Partridge
The Power of the Scalawag

The Power of the Scalawag

In "The Power of the Scalawag," a Forestry Commissioner hastily abandons his axe after cutting down a magnificent giant tree upon encountering an honest man. Upon his return, he finds a poignant message on the stump, lamenting how quickly a scalawag can destroy nature's centuries of toil and wishing for a similar fate for the wrongdoer. This timeless moral story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of greed and carelessness, making it an engaging quick read for kids.

honesty
consequences of actions
Forestry Commissioner
honest man

Other names for this story

Shadows of Integrity, The Editor's Dilemma, Veiled Truths, The Hidden Side of Honor, Secrets of a Distinguished Life, The Darker Side of Reputation, Unmasking Character, The Editor's Secret

Did You Know?

This story explores the theme of hypocrisy, highlighting how individuals often project an image of moral superiority while concealing their own flaws, ultimately leading to their downfall. The Editor's attempt to present himself as honorable backfires, revealing the precarious nature of reputation and the consequences of self-deception.

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
adult
Theme
honesty
friendship
self-deception
Characters
Gifted and Honourable Editor
Old Friend
Daughter
Messenger
Loathsome Contemporaries
Asylum for the Indiscreet
Setting
editor's office
old friend's house
asylum for the indiscreet

Share this Story