Three of a Kind
Story Summary
In "Three of a Kind," an inspirational story with a moral, a lawyer driven by a sense of justice defends a burglar who openly admits to having two accomplices—one for protection during the crime and another for legal defense. The lawyer, impressed by the burglar's honesty, ultimately decides to withdraw from the case upon discovering his client's lack of financial means, highlighting themes of integrity and moral choice in this culturally significant tale.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that true justice cannot be served when the pursuit of defense is rooted in deceit and exploitation.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of justice and moral ambiguity prevalent in early 20th-century literature, particularly in works exploring the complexities of law and morality. It echoes the tradition of courtroom dramas found in the writings of authors like Franz Kafka and Charles Dickens, who often highlighted the struggles of individuals against an indifferent legal system. The story's exploration of the lawyer's ethical dilemma and the burglar's cunning reflects broader societal anxieties about crime and justice during a time of rapid urbanization and social change.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the moral dilemma of integrity versus professional duty, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in modern life. In today’s world, a similar scenario might involve a corporate lawyer representing a client accused of fraud; upon discovering that the client knowingly engaged in unethical practices, the lawyer might decide to withdraw from the case, prioritizing their principles over financial gain.
You May Also Like
The Thief and the Honest Man
In the wisdom-packed moral story "The Thief and the Honest Man," a thief sues his accomplices for his share of stolen goods from an Honest Man, who cleverly evades the trial by claiming he is merely an agent for other honest individuals. When served with a subpoena, the Honest Man amusingly distracts himself by pretending to pick his own pockets, illustrating the lessons learned from stories about accountability and cleverness in the face of adversity. This short story with a moral leaves readers pondering the complexities of honesty and complicity in wrongdoing.
The Honourable Member
In this captivating moral tale, a member of the Legislature, who had vowed not to steal, returns home with a large part of the Capitol dome, inciting his constituents to hold an indignation meeting and consider punishment. Defending himself by claiming he never promised not to lie, he is oddly deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress without any pledges, showcasing the humorous yet educational nature of short moral stories.
The Return of the Representative
In "The Return of the Representative," a group of disgruntled citizens from an Assembly District, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, convene to decide extreme punishments for their absent representative, contemplating disembowelment and hanging. Their plans take an unexpected turn when the representative arrives in a celebratory coach, greeted by a brass band, declaring it the proudest moment of his life, much to the dismay of the crowd. This classic moral story highlights the irony of public sentiment and the disconnect between representatives and their constituents.
Other names for this story
"Justice Undone, The Accomplice Dilemma, Legal Labyrinth, Defending the Guilty, The Burglary Defense, Justice on Trial, A Lawyer's Choice, Secrets in the Shadows"
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of moral ambiguity within the legal profession, illustrating how the pursuit of justice can clash with the realities of crime and complicity, as the lawyer grapples with his own ethical boundaries when faced with the burglar's candid admission.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.