The Mirror

STORY OVERVIEW

• Title and moral/theme: The Mirror; The moral of the story is that bravado and self-importance can lead to one's own downfall when confronted with reality.
• Plot Summary: A proud Spaniel, believing himself superior, mistakes his reflection for another dog and boasts about his abilities. When he encounters a real Bulldog, his bravado vanishes, leading him to freeze in fear and ultimately, drop dead from shock.
• Key Characters:
  • Silken-eared Spaniel: Represents arrogance and self-importance, his downfall highlights the dangers of overestimating oneself.
  • Bulldog: Embodies strength and reality, serving as the catalyst for the Spaniel’s realization of his limitations.

LESSON FUNDAMENTALS

• Learning Objectives:
  • Students will understand the moral of the story and its implications in real life.
  • Students will analyze character traits and their development throughout the story.
  • Students will discuss how bravado can lead to negative consequences.
  • Students will relate the story's themes to their own experiences and actions.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. What does the Spaniel's reaction to his reflection say about his character?
  2. How does the presence of the Bulldog change the Spaniel's attitude?
  3. Can you think of a time when you learned a lesson from your own bravado or overconfidence?
• Required Materials:
  • Copies of the story "The Mirror"
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Reflection worksheets for students