The Two Poets
Story Summary
In "The Two Poets," a short moral tale for class 7, two poets argue over prizes from Apollo: an Apple symbolizing Art and a Bone representing Imagination. The First Poet, proud of his Apple, finds it inedible, while the Second Poet discovers his Bone is merely imaginary, illustrating the futility of their dispute over tangible versus intangible rewards. This meaningful story with moral teaches students about the value of both art and imagination, emphasizing that true worth often lies beyond physical prizes.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that the pursuit of superficial rewards can lead to disappointment, while the value of imagination may lie beyond tangible results.
Historical Context
This story draws from themes found in classical mythology, particularly the traditions associated with Apollo, the Greek god of poetry and the arts, who is often depicted as a patron of creativity and competition among artists. The concept of the "Apple of Discord," originating from the myth of the Judgment of Paris, symbolizes conflict over beauty and value, while the "Bone of Contention" reflects the futility of material versus imaginative pursuits, echoing sentiments found in various literary retellings throughout history that explore the nature of art and inspiration.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the folly of valuing superficial accolades over substance, a lesson that resonates in today's culture of social media where appearances often overshadow genuine talent. For example, a talented musician might struggle to gain recognition while focusing on their craft, while another person gains fame for a catchy but shallow viral song, highlighting the disparity between true artistry and fleeting popularity.
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Related Collections
Other names for this story
The Poets' Quarrel, Discord's Dilemma, Art vs. Imagination, The Hungry Poets, Prizes of Discord, A Battle of Words, The Apple and the Bone, Poetic Rivalry
Did You Know?
The story highlights the tension between artistic skill and imaginative creativity, suggesting that while technical mastery may be celebrated, true value often lies in the intangible and imaginative aspects of art. This duality reflects the broader theme of how perception shapes our understanding of worth and achievement.
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