The central message of the folk tale "A Story and a Song" emphasizes the critical importance of telling stories, warning that untold narratives will inevitably seek revenge.
The Imperative of Storytelling
The core moral of the tale revolves around the idea that stories are not meant to be kept silent; they inherently demand to be shared and passed on. Just as a lamp serves its purpose by providing light and should never be extinguished (or "put off"), a story serves its purpose by being told.
Consequences of Suppression
The folk tale starkly illustrates the repercussions of neglecting this fundamental duty to narrative:
- Stories Take Revenge: If a story is withheld, forgotten, or intentionally suppressed, it will actively seek retribution against those who failed to tell it. This highlights the powerful, almost sentient, nature attributed to stories within the tale.
- The Lamp Analogy: The tale draws a vivid comparison to emphasize this point.
- A Lamp Put Off: If a lamp is extinguished, the tale suggests it might "go to the temple and gossip," implying an active, albeit mischievous, form of retaliation or discontent.
- A Story Put Off: Similarly, if a story is not told, it will directly "take revenge," underscoring a more severe and impactful consequence.
This analogy reinforces the idea that stories possess a vital energy and agency; they are not passive entities but living forces that react to how they are treated.
Why Narratives Demand Expression
The tale suggests that stories have an intrinsic need to exist in the spoken or shared realm. Their purpose is to inform, entertain, or transmit knowledge, and when this purpose is thwarted, it leads to a negative outcome.
| Action | Consequence (as per the tale) |
|---|---|
| Telling a Story | (Implied: Fulfillment, harmony) |
| Putting Off a Story | Revenge |
| Putting Off a Lamp | Goes to the temple and gossips |
Ultimately, "A Story and a Song" serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-seated cultural and spiritual significance of oral tradition and the enduring power of narrative. It teaches that the act of storytelling is not merely a pastime but a crucial responsibility, with significant consequences if ignored.
