The Eligible Son-in-Law
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates how superficial assessments of worth and security based on appearances and convenience can lead to misguided decisions.
Historical Context
This story reflects the themes of financial transactions and social maneuvering often found in fables and folk tales, particularly those that critique societal values surrounding wealth and marriage. It bears resemblance to traditional tales from various cultures where characters use wit and cunning to navigate relationships and economic exchanges, such as the tales of Aesop or the moral stories in "The Panchatantra." The humorous twist on the societal expectations of marriage and wealth highlights the absurdities of human behavior in pursuit of financial gain and social status.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the folly of prioritizing superficial appearances and promises over genuine character and integrity in relationships, a lesson still relevant in modern life, where financial and social status can often overshadow true values. For example, in today's dating culture, someone might be tempted to pursue a relationship based solely on a partner's wealth or social standing, neglecting to consider their character, leading to potential heartache and disillusionment.
You May Also Like
The Debaters
In "The Debaters," a Hurled-back Allegation encounters an Inkstand mid-air, questioning how the Honourable Member could anticipate its return. The Inkstand reveals that the member was unprepared for a clever comeback but sought to gain an advantage nonetheless, illustrating a moral lesson about the importance of readiness in life-changing situations. This concise moral story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the desire to get ahead can reveal our limitations in preparation and wit.
The Member and the Soap
In "The Member and the Soap," a Kansas legislator's encounter with a cake of soap leads to an unexpected lesson in humility when he shakes hands with it, only to find himself in a sticky predicament. In his frantic attempt to clean his soapy hands, he ends up covered in white soap, prompting him to seek medical advice. This whimsical tale serves as one of the top 10 moral stories, illustrating the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the value of seeking help when faced with unforeseen challenges.
The Grasshopper and the Owl
In "The Grasshopper and the Owl," a moral story for kids, an owl, disturbed by a grasshopper's incessant chirping, pleads with her to stop, but the grasshopper ignores her. Lured by the owl's flattery and a promise of nectar, the unsuspecting grasshopper eagerly approaches, only to be deceived and killed. This easy small story with moral teaches valuable lessons about the dangers of vanity and the consequences of ignoring wise counsel.
Other names for this story
The Loaning Suitor, The Wealthy Gambit, A Match for Money, The Pious Banker’s Dilemma, The Suitor's Proposal, A Golden Marriage Offer, Love and Loans, The Strategic Son-in-Law
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques societal values around wealth and marriage, illustrating how financial gain can overshadow genuine relationships and moral considerations, as the banker prioritizes monetary security over the true worth of familial bonds.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.