At Large - One Temper
Story Summary
In "At Large - One Temper," a turbulent individual is on trial for assault with intent to commit murder after wreaking havoc in town. The defendant's Attorney attempts to lighten the proceedings by asking the Judge if he has ever lost his temper, resulting in a fine for contempt of court, to which the Attorney humorously replies that perhaps his client has found the Judge's lost temper. This short story offers a meaningful exploration of anger and accountability, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that losing one's temper can lead to judgment and consequences, both for oneself and others.
Historical Context
This story reflects a blend of humor and social commentary typical in American literature of the late 19th to early 20th centuries, particularly in the genre of courtroom satire. Its style and tone are reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain and other writers who critiqued legal absurdities and social norms, often highlighting the folly of human behavior within the judicial system. The use of wit in the courtroom setting underscores the tension between authority and the often-comedic failures of the legal process.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of self-control and accountability in modern life, reminding us that losing our temper can lead to serious consequences, both for ourselves and those around us. For example, in a heated workplace dispute, a manager who reacts impulsively to criticism may not only damage professional relationships but also face disciplinary action, reflecting the chaos that can ensue when tempers flare without restraint.
You May Also Like
The Flea and the Man
In the well-known moral story "The Flea and the Man," a man, exasperated by a flea's incessant biting, captures it and confronts its plea for mercy. The flea argues that its harm is minimal, but the man, finding humor in the situation, decides to kill it, asserting that no wrongdoing, regardless of its size, should be tolerated. This short story with moral serves as a humorous reminder that even the smallest offenses deserve acknowledgment and action.
The Wooden Guns
In "The Wooden Guns," a State Militia, seeking to save costs, requests wooden guns for practice, but the Governor prioritizes efficiency and provides them with real guns instead. The soldiers express their gratitude and promise to return the weapons if war arises, highlighting themes found in famous moral stories about responsibility and trust. This tale, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of choices made in the name of efficiency over prudence.
The Shadow of the Leader
In "The Shadow of the Leader," a political leader is taken aback when his shadow unexpectedly detaches and races away. When he calls it back, the shadow cleverly retorts that if it were truly a scoundrel, it wouldn't have abandoned him, cleverly reflecting on the leader's own questionable character. This funny story with moral echoes themes found in popular moral stories, reminding us that our actions often reveal our true selves.
Other names for this story
Tempers Unleashed, The Wrath of Justice, Assault and Anger, Courtroom Chaos, Finding Lost Tempers, The Judge's Fury, Uncontrolled Outbursts, Legal Turbulence
Did You Know?
This story cleverly highlights the absurdity of human behavior and the often unpredictable nature of justice, as the Attorney's attempt to deflect blame humorously backfires, illustrating how emotions can complicate legal proceedings.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.