What exactly is the Moral of This Story?

Written by Kyle about Korea, Republic of. Feelin' confused

So, a teacher asked me to record my voice reading the following story for one of the parents of a kindergarten student. I figured it was so that the parent could then read his/her child a story in English, thereby reinforcing the English he/she is learning in school. While that initial assumption is probably correct, I found the contents of the book to be quite odd. Here is the story in full:

So, is there supposed to be some sort of moral to this? Do what your mother says because she might die someday and then you'll really regret it!? Isn't there a better way to get this message across, such as "your mother is happy when you do things for her"?

I'm no child psychologist or parenting expert, but to me, this seems to be the wrong way to make a point to a child.

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April 28, 2009 Greg Wesson: I think it's about the futility of life. The mother's constant futile attempts to get her son to obey her, and when he finally does, it rains so much that the riverbank floods and instead of being buried at the river side, as she wished, the mother's grave is underwater. "Why try?" the book asks, "for life is sure to be full of disappointment."

It is an existential nihilistic masterpiece, truly.

April 28, 2009 Kyle: Clearly. I'm guessing that the kid who has problems pulling up his pants after peeing will appreciate the nihilistic point of view :)

April 28, 2009 Melissa: I completely agree with Greg Wesson. Deep meaning uncovered. Maybe you are Shakespere fan too?

But I will not be reading this book to my kids :)

April 28, 2009 Rose P.: I would never ever read this book to a child. The ending is horrifying.....here come the nightmares. Story is also a bit about Murphy's Law. If anything bad can happen, it probably will!

April 28, 2009 Uncle Michael: I had to research to finally get it. Spoiler Alert!!!! :-)
She did not wish to be buried by the river. So she told him to do the opposite expecting to be buried on a mountainside. Ironically, he regrets his former misdeeds and does as she says. It backfires and her grave washes away. It's a strong lesson in obedience, and great fun for the whole family.

April 28, 2009 Kyle: Very astute of you! After looking at it again, the mother was thinking of being buried not by the river. So, wouldn't the moral of the story be "Don't lie to your kids. It will always come back to bite you in the ass."?

April 29, 2009 Linda: This book is sooooooooo Asian philosophy.....a little mystic, deeeeeeeeeeeep meaning, with an obedience moral.....and just for "fun" a little tragedy. What a "great" story to elicit smiles from youngsters! Nothing like opening the day with a "happy-go-lucky" tale for the kids!

May 01, 2009 wwtcd: Clearly the moral of the story is that cremation makes much more sense in today's world. Especially for frogs. Hope all is well over there. If I don't figure out something soon, maybe I'll be joining you.

May 06, 2009 paul: i think this is what led to billy mumphrey's downfall

May 16, 2009 mumsie: The moral of this story? Hmmmmm. As a parent, be a leader and establish healthy, clear communication with your child. Teach your child to make Good, sound decisions based on possible outcomes. Be careful what you ask for - You might get it!

This is Definitely Not a story for children - unless they're Teenagers!! It IS a conspicuously creative way to give a parent a kick in the butt.

I'm curious. Was there any reaction from the parent you gave the recording to?

What exactly is the Moral of This Story?

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