The Porcupine And The Snakes

Summary

This short story provides a moral lesson about the consequences of being too accommodating. It tells the tale of a Porcupine seeking shelter who comes across a family of Snakes living in a cave. The Snakes generously agree to share their home with him. However, they soon regret their decision as the Porcupine's sharp quills create discomfort and harm. When they request him to leave, the Porcupine refuses, asserting his satisfaction with the arrangement, ultimately forcing the Snakes to vacate their own home to protect themselves. The story illustrates the importance of standing firm in one's boundaries and the potential pitfalls of being overly charitable without consideration of the outcomes.

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A Porcupine was looking for a good home. At last he found a little sheltered cave, where lived a family of Snakes. He asked them to let him share the cave with them, and the Snakes kindly consented.

The Snakes soon wished they had not given him permission to stay. His sharp quills pricked them at every turn, and at last they politely asked him to leave.

“I am very well satisfied, thank you,” said the Porcupine. “I intend to stay right here.” And with that, he politely escorted the Snakes out of doors. And to save their skins, the Snakes had to look for another home.

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