The Citizen and the Snakes
Story Summary
In "The Citizen and the Snakes," a disheartened citizen, frustrated by his failure to secure a national political convention for his city, inadvertently shatters a druggist's show-window filled with snakes. As the reptiles spill into the street, he learns a valuable lesson: even when faced with setbacks, taking action—however unexpected—can still lead to meaningful change. This unique moral story serves as a timeless reminder for students in class 7 that when we can't achieve our primary goals, we should still strive to make a difference in other ways.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
When faced with failure, it's important to take action in any way possible, even if it's not what you initially intended.
Historical Context
This story reflects the early 20th-century American ethos of civic engagement and the importance of public service, often illustrated through humorous or satirical narratives. The character's experience echoes themes found in folklore and literary retellings that emphasize resilience in the face of failure, reminiscent of Aesop's fables where characters learn valuable lessons from their circumstances. The absurdity of the situation also mirrors the comedic storytelling style prevalent in works by authors like Mark Twain, who often highlighted the quirks of human nature and societal expectations.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the importance of taking action, even in small ways, when faced with disappointment or failure. In modern life, when a community advocate fails to secure funding for a local project, they might instead organize a neighborhood cleanup or a small fundraising event, showing that even minor efforts can inspire others and create positive change.
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Other names for this story
Citizen's Snake Dilemma, Snakes in the City, Serpents of Dejection, The Great Snake Escape, When Snakes Strike Back, A Citizen's Serpent Challenge, Snakes and Civic Duty, The Broken Glass and the Snakes
Did You Know?
The story highlights the theme of unexpected consequences, as the Public-spirited Citizen's moment of despair inadvertently leads to a chaotic situation with the escaped snakes, suggesting that even in failure, one can unintentionally create a significant impact on the world around them.
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