The Member and the Soap
Story Summary
In "The Member and the Soap," a Kansas legislator's encounter with a cake of soap leads to an unexpected lesson in humility when he shakes hands with it, only to find himself in a sticky predicament. In his frantic attempt to clean his soapy hands, he ends up covered in white soap, prompting him to seek medical advice. This whimsical tale serves as one of the top 10 moral stories, illustrating the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the value of seeking help when faced with unforeseen challenges.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the folly of being overly concerned with appearances and the consequences of neglecting genuine connections.
Historical Context
This story is a humorous and satirical anecdote reflecting 19th-century American attitudes towards politics and social norms, particularly the absurdity of political encounters. Its origins can be traced to folk tales and humorous literature of the era, where personification of inanimate objects, like the Cake of Soap, serves to critique societal conventions and the absurdities of political life. Variants of such tales often appeared in newspapers and magazines, emphasizing the interplay between satire and everyday experiences in American culture.
Our Editors Opinion
This whimsical story highlights the consequences of neglecting the seemingly mundane aspects of life, such as hygiene and self-care, which are often overlooked in our pursuit of more significant goals. In modern life, this can be reflected in a scenario where a busy professional neglects their health and well-being, only to face burnout and health issues, realizing too late that small, consistent self-care practices are vital for overall success and happiness.
You May Also Like
The Pugilist's Diet
In "The Pugilist's Diet," a trainer seeks advice from a physician about a champion pugilist's diet, leading to a humorous exchange about the benefits of tougher cuts of meat. The physician suggests that while tender beef-steaks are more digestible, the tougher neck meat provides essential exercise for the fighter's chin, illustrating a valuable lesson in prioritizing strength over comfort. This uplifting moral story combines humor and wisdom, making it an educational read for young readers interested in folklore and moral tales.
The Man of Principle
In "The Man of Principle," a Keeper at a zoological garden encounters a stubborn man seeking shelter from the rain beneath an ostrich, despite the imminent danger it poses. The man, embodying the essence of a moral story, insists on staying until the ostrich kicks him out, having already swallowed his umbrella, illustrating the folly of rigid principles over practical safety. This engaging moral tale serves as a simple short story with a profound lesson on the importance of adaptability in the face of risk.
The Broom of the Temple
In the city of Gakwak, facing the loss of its capital status, the Wampog calls a council of male residents to discuss defensive measures, leading to a series of absurd and comedic suggestions. However, an Aged Man proposes practical improvements for community welfare, emphasizing the need for personal growth and development over bizarre rituals. The meeting humorously concludes with the men prioritizing tidiness by sweeping the temple, showcasing their peculiar values in this creative moral story.
Other names for this story
"Legislative Lather, Soap and Politics, A Sudsy Encounter, The Soap's Grasp, Clean Hands and Politics, The Soap Conundrum, A Member's Misadventure, Suds of Democracy"
Did You Know?
This humorous story highlights the absurdity of political encounters, using the whimsical image of a Cake of Soap as a stand-in for political figures who often go unnoticed, while also satirizing the lengths to which people might go to maintain appearances in society.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.