The Old Man's Story

"The Old Man's Story" by Anonymous is a 19th-century story for young readers about the dangers of ignoring good advice. The story centers around Uncle John, who shares a sad story from his childhood to teach a lesson about the importance of listening to parents. As a young boy, Uncle John and his friend Henry foolishly disregard Henry's mother's warnings and decide to play around with gunpowder. Their dangerous game quickly turns tragic when an explosion injures his friend, causing hurt that impacts Henry's whole family. Through Uncle John’s story, the book emphasizes the potentially serious outcomes of reckless actions and the value of following the wisdom of elders.