Name ______________________ Class ___________ Date ___________
The Optimist and the Cynic
Worksheet · Grades 9+
Comprehension Questions
- Describe the main characters in the story. What distinguishes the Optimist from the Cynic?
- What does the Optimist offer to the Cynic during their encounter?
- How does the Cynic respond to the Optimist's observation about friendship?
- What themes can be identified in this short story? Provide at least two.
- Reflect on the ending of the story. What does the Cynic mean by saying, "for you have the world"?
Vocabulary Exercise
Match the words on the left with their correct definitions on the right.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Optimist | A person who tends to see the good side of things. |
| Cynic | A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest. |
| Fortune | Chance or luck as an external force affecting human affairs. |
| Friend | A person one knows and has a bond of mutual affection with. |
| Carriage | A wheeled vehicle for conveying people, often drawn by horses. |
Writing/Reflection Task
Reflect on the moral of the story. Do you identify more with the Optimist or the Cynic? Why?
What lesson do you think the story conveys about perspective and relationships?
MoralFables.com