The Eligible Son-in-Law
Story Summary
In "The Eligible Son-in-Law," a pious banker is approached by a shabby man seeking a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, claiming he will soon marry the banker's daughter, presenting this as the best security. The banker, unable to see the flaw in this scheme of mutual benefit, agrees to the loan, illustrating the themes often found in short moral tales that emphasize the importance of discernment and the potential pitfalls of blind trust. This folklore-like story serves as a motivational tale for personal growth, reminding readers to critically assess promises that seem too good to be true.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates how superficial assessments of worth and security based on appearances and convenience can lead to misguided decisions.
Historical Context
This story reflects the themes of financial transactions and social maneuvering often found in fables and folk tales, particularly those that critique societal values surrounding wealth and marriage. It bears resemblance to traditional tales from various cultures where characters use wit and cunning to navigate relationships and economic exchanges, such as the tales of Aesop or the moral stories in "The Panchatantra." The humorous twist on the societal expectations of marriage and wealth highlights the absurdities of human behavior in pursuit of financial gain and social status.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the folly of prioritizing superficial appearances and promises over genuine character and integrity in relationships, a lesson still relevant in modern life, where financial and social status can often overshadow true values. For example, in today's dating culture, someone might be tempted to pursue a relationship based solely on a partner's wealth or social standing, neglecting to consider their character, leading to potential heartache and disillusionment.
You May Also Like
The Dogs and the Hides
In "The Dogs and the Hides," a group of hungry dogs, frustrated by their inability to reach cowhides in a river, foolishly attempt to drink the river dry. Their overindulgence leads to their demise before they can even get to the hides, illustrating a simple lesson from stories about the dangers of attempting the impossible. This unique moral story serves as an inspirational short tale for children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's limits.
The Sagacious Rat
In "The Sagacious Rat," a clever rat deceives his friend into believing he is honored by his company, leading him to exit their hole first and fall victim to a waiting cat. This short and sweet moral story illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust and the cunning nature of deceit, making it a valuable addition to childhood stories with moral lessons. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of being cautious in whom we place our trust, a theme relevant for moral stories for class 7.
The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox
In this entertaining moral tale, two thieves steal a piano but are unable to fairly divide it, resorting to bribing a judge to settle their dispute. When their funds run dry, an Honest Man intervenes with a small payment, winning the piano, which his daughter then uses to train for boxing, ultimately becoming a renowned pugilist. This quick read story with moral highlights the value of integrity and unexpected paths to success in real-life stories with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
The Loaning Suitor, The Wealthy Gambit, A Match for Money, The Pious Banker’s Dilemma, The Suitor's Proposal, A Golden Marriage Offer, Love and Loans, The Strategic Son-in-Law
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques societal values around wealth and marriage, illustrating how financial gain can overshadow genuine relationships and moral considerations, as the banker prioritizes monetary security over the true worth of familial bonds.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.