The Dog and His Reflection
Story Summary
In the thought-provoking moral story "The Dog and His Reflection," a State Official, while stealing the Dome of the Capitol, encounters the ghost of his predecessor at midnight, who warns him that God is watching. As they converse, another State Official quietly seizes the opportunity to add the dome to his own collection, illustrating the themes of greed and moral consequence found in many well-known moral stories. This short moral tale serves as a reminder of the unseen consequences of one's actions.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that greed and corruption can lead to one's downfall, as the pursuit of self-interest often results in betrayal and loss.
Historical Context
This story is a satirical commentary on political corruption and the moral decay within government, reminiscent of the tradition of ghost stories that critique societal issues, such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." It draws upon the supernatural trope of ghostly encounters, often used in literature to convey moral lessons, and echoes themes found in American folklore and political satire, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when concerns about graft and corruption in politics were prevalent. The Capitol Dome symbolizes both grandeur and the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials, highlighting the tension between ambition and integrity.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the ethics of power and the temptation to act unethically when one believes they are beyond scrutiny. In modern life, consider a corporate executive who, under the cover of night, engages in questionable practices to enrich themselves, only to be reminded by a whistleblower that integrity matters, and that actions, even in secrecy, have consequences.
You May Also Like
The Legislator and the Citizen
In this humorous moral story, an ex-Legislator seeks a recommendation from a Most Respectable Citizen for the position of Commissioner of Shrimps and Crabs, despite his notorious past of selling influence. Initially outraged, the citizen ultimately agrees to help, crafting a witty letter that highlights the irony of political corruption and emphasizes that an honest man should only "swap" influence rather than sell it. This timeless moral tale offers a valuable lesson on integrity, making it an engaging choice for kids' moral stories.
The Crow and Mercury
In the fable "The Crow and Mercury," a crow, ensnared and desperate, prays to Apollo for rescue, promising to offer frankincense at his shrine, but forgets his vow once freed. Caught again, he makes a similar promise to Mercury, who scolds him for betraying Apollo and questioning his loyalty. This short story with moral illustrates the consequences of failing to honor one's commitments, a theme found in many well-known moral stories.
The Patriot and the Banker
In "The Patriot and the Banker," a former politician, having grown rich from questionable gains, tries to open a bank account but is confronted by an Honest Banker who insists he must repay the money he stole from the government first. Realizing the bank's share of the loss is minimal, the Patriot deposits just a dollar, humorously illustrating the lessons learned from stories about accountability and the often feeble attempts at restitution by those who prioritize wealth over integrity. This funny story with a moral serves as a big moral tale, teaching valuable lessons that can resonate with kids and adults alike.
Other names for this story
"Capitol Ghost Encounter, Midnight Warning from the Past, Political Hauntings, The Dome's Secret, Shadows of Power, Ghostly Politics, The Capitol's Hidden Truth, Echoes of Leadership"
Did You Know?
This story cleverly satirizes political corruption and the disregard for accountability, illustrating how those in power may prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations, even in the presence of moral warnings. The interaction between the living and the ghost highlights the eerie persistence of past misdeeds in the political arena.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.