The Man and the Wart

STORY OVERVIEW

• Title and moral/theme: The Man and the Wart; Moral: The story illustrates that some people exploit the vulnerabilities of others for personal gain, often disguising their intentions with false promises and charm.
• Plot summary: A man with a wart on his nose encounters another person with a similar affliction and takes advantage of his vulnerability by proposing a membership to a fictitious order. Through humorous dialogue, the story highlights the absurdity of exploitation and the gullibility of those who fall for such schemes.
• Key characters and their significance:
  • The Man with a Wart on His Nose: Represents the unscrupulous individual who exploits others for personal gain.
  • The Person Similarly Afflicted: Symbolizes the naive victim who, despite recognizing the absurdity, still falls prey to charm and manipulation.

LESSON FUNDAMENTALS

• Learning Objectives:
  • Students will identify the moral lesson in 'The Man and the Wart'.
  • Students will analyze how humor is used to convey deeper messages in moral stories.
  • Students will discuss the characteristics of characters that exploit others.
  • Students will reflect on personal experiences where they may have encountered similar exploitation.
• Discussion Questions:
  • What does the story suggest about the nature of charm and persuasion?
  • How does the use of humor enhance the moral lesson in the story?
  • Can you think of a real-life example where someone was exploited in a similar way?
• Required Materials:
  • Copies of 'The Man and the Wart'
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Paper and pens for notes