Tutorial 1- Favourite Childhood Story

                In today’s lesson ( 6 January 2011), we were assigned to select a story that we love the most during our childhood time. My chosen story is The Bat and The Weasels.

"A Bat who fell upon the ground and was caught by a Weasel pleaded to be spared his life. The Weasel refused, saying that he was by nature the enemy of all birds. The Bat assured him that he was not a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free. Shortly afterwards the Bat again fell to the ground and was caught by another Weasel,whom he likewise entreated not to eat him. The Weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice. The Bat assured him that he was not a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second time escaped."

1.       The reason/s you choose the story

I decided to choose this story because it has a good moral value that people always think it as a bad value. Telling lies doesn’t mean you are bad people, but in some situation, we have no other choice but to lie. Sometimes we do it because we care for others’ feeling, and in some occasions, to help ourselves and getting away from problem. However, we know that it is not good when it become a habit.

2.       Element(s) in the story that make me think that the story is interesting

I do think sense of suspense and terror are the obvious element that makes the story pretty meaningful. The bat flew and fell twice, both to the hand of different weasels. Yet, by using his trick, he was able to escape.

3.       The portrayal of characters in the story

The main character in this short story is the bat. He is a small animal with a big brain and great idea. He knew he was in danger and quickly turns the situation into his side.

4.       The plot of the story

The plot of the story is so simple, short in length and easy to understand. The climax is when the bat was able to escape by the weasels. The resolution is a happy ending like what most of the children want.

5.       The suitability of the story as children story

I think this story is very suitable for children. Children are taught to be honest and do not tell lies. However they should not be honest and give everything to the strangers that may harm themselves.  Bad people are everywhere, and a lot of cases reported everyday about missing children. Thus, this story teaches them to be careful with the stranger and do not get close to someone they don’t know. Even though element of telling lies is everywhere in this story, it gives a lesson that lies are told as a protection. It is wise to turn circumstances to good account.