The Power of the Scalawag
Story Summary
In "The Power of the Scalawag," a Forestry Commissioner hastily abandons his axe after cutting down a magnificent giant tree upon encountering an honest man. Upon his return, he finds a poignant message on the stump, lamenting how quickly a scalawag can destroy nature's centuries of toil and wishing for a similar fate for the wrongdoer. This timeless moral story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of greed and carelessness, making it an engaging quick read for kids.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that those who destroy the hard work and achievements of others, often out of greed or dishonesty, will ultimately face their own downfall.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in various fables and folklore that critique human folly and the consequences of greed, reminiscent of Aesop's fables and the moralistic tales of the Brothers Grimm. It reflects a historical context where the exploitation of nature was often juxtaposed with societal values of honesty and integrity, resonating particularly in the 19th century as industrialization began to impact natural landscapes. The use of poetry inscribed on the tree stump serves as a literary device to convey moral lessons, a common motif in storytelling traditions across cultures.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the fragility of integrity and the fleeting nature of success built on dishonesty. In modern life, this could be reflected in a corporate environment where a manager engages in unethical practices to achieve quick results, only to face severe consequences when exposed, losing not just their job but their reputation, illustrating that shortcuts often lead to downfall.
You May Also Like
The Party Manager and the Gentleman
In "The Party Manager and the Gentleman," a simple short story with moral undertones, a Party Manager attempts to persuade a Gentleman to pursue political office through contributions and endorsements. The Gentleman, valuing integrity over ambition, firmly refuses, asserting that seeking servitude is not an honor but a betrayal of his principles. This short moral tale illustrates the importance of staying true to one's convictions, even in the face of pressure and insults.
The Lamp
In "The Lamp," a boastful lamp, overly confident in its brightness, claims to outshine the sun but is quickly extinguished by a gust of wind. After relighting it, its owner imparts a life lesson, urging the lamp to embrace humility and provide light quietly, reminding it that even the stars do not need to be reignited. This simple short story conveys a timeless moral found in many famous fables, illustrating the importance of modesty in our pursuits.
The Sparrow and the Hare
In "The Sparrow and the Hare," a Hare weeps after being attacked by an eagle, only to be mocked by a Sparrow for her lack of speed. However, the Sparrow soon faces a similar fate at the claws of a hawk, providing a poignant lesson in the unpredictability of fate. This short and sweet moral story reminds us that even those who gloat over others' misfortunes may find themselves in a similar predicament.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
Scalawag's Fall, The Axe of Truth, Nature's Revenge, Pride and Prejudice, The Honest Man's Judgment, Timber and Treachery, Roots of Deceit, The Cost of Greed
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of the transient nature of pride and the consequences of one's actions, illustrating how the destruction of nature by a single greedy act can provoke a poetic call for justice against the perpetrator. The juxtaposition of human folly against the enduring strength of nature serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of both the environment and moral integrity.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.