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A moral is a short statement that summarizes the main message of a fable or tale. For example, “Slow and steady wins the race” is an example of a moral statement. Select two of the stories or poems in this unit and write moral statements for each. Explain how each relates to the story or poem.
1. The moral statement for the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost could be: "Life is about taking chances and embracing uncertainty." This moral statement captures the essence of the poem, which explores the idea of individual choice and the consequences that arise from those choices. The speaker in the poem faces a crossroad and must make a decision on which path to take. The moral emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to take risks and make decisions that may veer from the conventional or expected.
2. The moral statement for the fable "The Lion and the Mouse" could be: "Kindness and compassion can lead to unexpected rewards." This moral statement reflects the central message of the fable, where a lion spares the life of a mouse who promises to repay the favor. Later, when the lion is trapped, the mouse comes to his rescue by gnawing through the ropes that bind him. The fable teaches that acts of kindness, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can ripple through life and cultivate a network of gratitude and support. It emphasizes the value of treating others with compassion and the potential for reciprocity in unexpected ways.