The Dog and His Reflection
Story Summary
In the thought-provoking moral story "The Dog and His Reflection," a State Official, while stealing the Dome of the Capitol, encounters the ghost of his predecessor at midnight, who warns him that God is watching. As they converse, another State Official quietly seizes the opportunity to add the dome to his own collection, illustrating the themes of greed and moral consequence found in many well-known moral stories. This short moral tale serves as a reminder of the unseen consequences of one's actions.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that greed and corruption can lead to one's downfall, as the pursuit of self-interest often results in betrayal and loss.
Historical Context
This story is a satirical commentary on political corruption and the moral decay within government, reminiscent of the tradition of ghost stories that critique societal issues, such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." It draws upon the supernatural trope of ghostly encounters, often used in literature to convey moral lessons, and echoes themes found in American folklore and political satire, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when concerns about graft and corruption in politics were prevalent. The Capitol Dome symbolizes both grandeur and the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials, highlighting the tension between ambition and integrity.
Our Editors Opinion
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the ethics of power and the temptation to act unethically when one believes they are beyond scrutiny. In modern life, consider a corporate executive who, under the cover of night, engages in questionable practices to enrich themselves, only to be reminded by a whistleblower that integrity matters, and that actions, even in secrecy, have consequences.
You May Also Like
King Log and King Stork
In "King Log and King Stork," a culturally significant moral story, the people, dissatisfied with a Democratic Legislature that only stole a portion of their wealth, elect a Republican government that exploits them even further. This long story with moral lessons illustrates how the new regime not only takes everything they have but also demands a promissory note secured by their very hope of death, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political change without true accountability. Through this entertaining moral story, the narrative reflects the grim reality that without vigilance, the quest for better governance can lead to even greater exploitation.
The Mules and the Robbers
In "The Mules and the Robbers," a simple short story with moral undertones, two mules encounter robbers; one burdened with money is wounded while the other, carrying grain, escapes unscathed. The injured mule laments his loss, while his companion expresses relief at being underestimated and safe. This tale offers uplifting moral lessons, illustrating that sometimes being overlooked can be a hidden blessing.
The Treasury and the Arms
In "The Treasury and the Arms," a Public Treasury, reminiscent of childhood stories with moral lessons, detects Two Arms attempting to pilfer its contents and calls for a division, invoking parliamentary procedures. The Two Arms, recognizing the Treasury's grasp of legislative language, underscore the tension between governance and appropriation, echoing themes found in short moral stories with pictures that teach valuable lessons about integrity and responsibility.
Other names for this story
"Capitol Ghost Encounter, Midnight Warning from the Past, Political Hauntings, The Dome's Secret, Shadows of Power, Ghostly Politics, The Capitol's Hidden Truth, Echoes of Leadership"
Did You Know?
This story cleverly satirizes political corruption and the disregard for accountability, illustrating how those in power may prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations, even in the presence of moral warnings. The interaction between the living and the ghost highlights the eerie persistence of past misdeeds in the political arena.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.