The Aethiop
Story Summary
In "The Aethiop," a man naively purchases a black servant, believing that his skin color is simply dirt that can be scrubbed away. Despite his relentless efforts, the servant's complexion remains unchanged, illustrating the life-lesson that inherent traits cannot be altered by external means. This short story with moral serves as a poignant reminder that what is bred in the bone will stick to the flesh, making it a compelling addition to uplifting moral stories and fable stories with moral.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that inherent qualities or characteristics cannot be changed by superficial treatments or efforts.
Historical Context
This story reflects the pervasive attitudes and misconceptions surrounding race during the era of slavery and colonialism, particularly in the context of 18th and 19th century Europe and America, where the dehumanization of Black individuals was commonplace. It echoes themes found in folktales and moral lessons that emphasize the idea that inherent traits cannot be altered by external attempts at change, paralleling variations of similar narratives in African and African American folklore that critique racial stereotypes and highlight the futility of denying one’s identity.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the futility of attempting to change inherent attributes or identities through external means. In modern life, this can be reflected in scenarios such as a workplace where diversity is superficially embraced but not genuinely valued; for instance, when a company hires employees from various backgrounds but fails to create an inclusive environment, expecting them to conform to a singular culture rather than appreciating their unique perspectives.
You May Also Like
The Man and His Two Wives
In this very short moral story, a middle-aged man with two wives—one young and one old—struggles to satisfy their conflicting desires regarding his appearance. The young wife removes his grey hairs to make him look younger, while the elder wife plucks out the black ones to avoid resembling his mother. Ultimately, his efforts to please both lead to his complete baldness, illustrating the lesson that trying to satisfy everyone can result in losing everything—a heartwarming tale with a clear moral.
The Cat and the Youth
In the captivating short story "The Cat and the Youth," a cat in love with a handsome young man asks Venus to transform her into a woman. However, when a mouse appears, her panic reveals her true nature, leading to the young man's rejection. This concise moral story illustrates that true identity cannot be hidden, making it a valuable lesson for students.
An Optimist
In the story "An Optimist," two frogs trapped in the belly of a snake reflect on their fate, presenting a classic tale of storytelling with morals. While one frog bemoans their luck, the other humorously highlights their unique situation, suggesting they are not just victims but also the source of their sustenance, teaching lessons learned from stories about perspective and resilience. This bedtime moral story underscores the idea that even in dire circumstances, one can find a reason to remain optimistic.
Other names for this story
Color of the Soul, Scrubbed Clean, The Unchanging Shade, Beneath the Surface, Stain of the Past, Shadows of Misunderstanding, The Persistent Hue, Cleansing Illusions
Did You Know?
This story highlights the absurdity of racial prejudices and the futility of trying to alter inherent characteristics, suggesting that true identity and worth cannot be changed by superficial means or societal misconceptions. The phrase "What's bred in the bone will stick to the flesh" serves as a poignant reminder of the permanence of one's nature, regardless of external attempts to impose change.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.