Learning Objectives
- Understand the story and its moral
- Learn important vocabulary and expressions
- Identify the theme and character analysis
- Practice comprehension and writing skills
Key Concepts
About the Story
Author: Leo Tolstoy (Russian author). The story is based on a fable/parable.
Theme: The importance of living in the present moment and helping those around us.
The Three Questions
A king wanted to find answers to three questions:
- What is the right time to begin something?
- Who are the right people to listen to?
- What is the most important thing to do?
Story Summary
The king asked wise men but got different answers. He visited a hermit for wisdom. While helping the hermit dig, a wounded man arrived. The king saved his life. The man turned out to be an enemy who had come to kill the king but was wounded by the king's bodyguard.
The Hermit's Answers
- The most important time: NOW - the present moment is the only time we have power over.
- The most important person: The person you are with right now.
- The most important thing: To do good to the person you are with.
Moral of the Story
The present moment is the most important. The person we are with is the most important person. Doing good to others is the most important action. These answers teach us to live mindfully and compassionately.
Important Terms
- Hermit: A person living in solitude, often for religious reasons
- Councillors: Advisors to the king
- Forgave: Pardoned, stopped feeling angry
- Faithful: Loyal, devoted
- Bodyguard: A person who protects someone
Quick Revision
- Author: Leo Tolstoy
- Three questions about: right time, right people, most important thing
- Answers: Now, person with you, doing good
- Theme: Live in the present, help others
- King helped wounded enemy â enemy became friend