An English language magazine invites young people to participate in a writing competition. The participant must write a parable – an allegorical story with a moral purpose – which is based on the following premise:
A young man sets forth on his ship to see the world. He visits three islands and finally returns to his homeland.
The life on each of the islands is best characterised by one of the following idioms:
−a slack master,
−a smart alec,
−crooked as a dog’s hind leg.
You decide to take part and submit your own story. Your parable must have a title, direct speech, and include all three of the suggested idioms. The description of the islands should reveal the meaning of the idioms.
Write 250–300 words.
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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Once upon a time, a young man named William decided to leave his homeland and see the world on his ship. During his voyage he visited three islands.
On the first island, William met 2 locals who claimed to be professional seafarers. They told him about various maps and tools that could be used to navigate the sea. To test their knowledge, William decided to ask about the shortest route to the next island. However, the men failed to provide him with a solid answer. “You’re just smart alecs,” William said and set sail on his ship.
On the second island, William saw a group of local tribesmen who were having breakfast on the beach. As he hadn’t eaten anything in two days, Will asked them for some food. “Give us some silver and you’ll get a bowl of soup,” one of them said. Will handed over his last silver coins. Suddenly, the tribesmen began to shout loudly. Confused, William didn’t notice how they snatched his money, grabbed their soup bowls and ran away. “They’re crooked as a dog’s hind leg,” William grumbled and returned to his ship.
On the third island, William met a local nobleman who had a huge manor that was furnished with beautiful carpets and curtains. “You must know how to sew!” William exclaimed. “No, I spend every day lying on the couch. My slaves do all the work,” the nobleman answered. William realized that the nobleman was just a slack master and hurried to leave his house.
Having visited the three islands, William finally returned home. He realized that the kindest people - his family and friends - were always waiting for him there and no other place would ever be better than his homeland.
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