Revenge
Story Summary
An insurance agent attempts to persuade a tough man to take out a fire policy on his house, passionately detailing the dangers of fire. When questioned about his motives, the agent reveals a dark secret: he seeks revenge against the insurance company for betraying his sweetheart, turning the encounter into a tale reminiscent of folklore with a moral about the consequences of deceit and the lessons learned from personal vendettas.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Seeking revenge can lead to morally questionable actions and ultimately harm oneself and others.
Historical Context
This story draws on themes of irony and deception common in satire, reminiscent of works from the 19th-century literary tradition, such as those by Mark Twain or Ambrose Bierce, who often critiqued societal norms and institutions through humor and absurdity. The narrative highlights a cultural skepticism towards insurance companies, which can be traced back to the early development of modern insurance in the 17th century, where the industry was often viewed with suspicion due to its complex contracts and the potential for exploitation. This dynamic between the agent and the hard man serves as a microcosm of broader societal tensions regarding trust, risk, and the moral implications of financial institutions.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the tension between fear-driven sales tactics and rational decision-making, reminding us that in modern life, we should be wary of decisions motivated by fear rather than informed analysis. For instance, when purchasing insurance or investing, one might encounter aggressive marketing that emphasizes potential risks; however, it's crucial to assess the actual likelihood of those risks rather than simply succumbing to pressure, as exemplified by a homeowner who chooses not to buy flood insurance after reviewing their area's low flood risk despite persistent sales pitches.
You May Also Like
The Holy Deacon
In "The Holy Deacon," a short tale with a moral, an itinerant preacher enlists a Holy Deacon to collect donations from a reluctant congregation, promising him a quarter of the proceeds. However, after the collection, the Deacon reveals that the hardened hearts of the congregation yielded nothing for him, illustrating a life lesson about the challenge of generosity. This easy small story serves as a poignant reminder for young readers about the complexities of faith and giving in short story collections with moral themes.
The Wolf and the Sheep
In this unique moral story, a wounded Wolf deceitfully asks a passing Sheep to fetch him water, promising meat in return. The Sheep, recognizing the Wolf's true intentions, wisely refuses, illustrating the importance of discernment in the face of temptation. This culturally significant tale serves as an inspirational story with a moral, reminding us that hypocritical speeches are easily seen through.
The Villager and the Serpent
In "The Villager and the Serpent," a kind but naive peasant saves a frozen serpent, only to be betrayed and attacked once the creature is revived. This tale serves as an educational moral story, illustrating the dangers of showing kindness to ingrates, and highlights the importance of discernment in acts of charity. With its life-changing moral lesson, it stands as a quick read story that encourages personal growth through understanding the consequences of misplaced trust.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Vengeance Unveiled, Betrayed by Trust, The Dark Secret, Insurance and Retribution, Flames of Betrayal, A Policy for Revenge, Shadows of Retribution, The Agent's Grudge
Did You Know?
This story highlights the irony of selling insurance, where the agent must simultaneously convince the client of a potential catastrophic event while betting against it happening, reflecting deeper themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human motivations in business dealings.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.