“Ole the Watchman” is a short story from the classic fairy tale collection ‘The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen’. The story tells of an interesting old man, Ole the Watchman, who was known for his wisdom and erudition. No matter what question people asked, he always had a satisfactory answer. One day, a little girl climbed up to the tall tower with the question ‘Why should people do good?’ to ask Ole for advice. Ole answered the little girl’s question with his wisdom and vivid metaphors, so that she understood the meaning of doing good deeds.
1. Who is Ole?
1.1 Ole’s life background
Once upon a time, there was an old man named Ole. He had read many books and was very knowledgeable. He was a very clever person. No matter what question someone asked him, he could give an answer in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Later, Ole found a job that suited him perfectly – he became the caretaker of the church tower. This job allowed him to stand high above the city every day. He could see the sky, the ground and the people. Ole really enjoyed this job, because it not only gave him the opportunity to observe the beauty of the world, but also to use his wisdom to help people who had questions.
1.2 Ole’s character traits
Ole is a funny old man who likes to chat. He is always willing to listen to other people’s problems and give his own answers. His answers are often full of wisdom and warm. Therefore, many people like to go to him to chat, especially those who are confused about life.
2. The little girl’s question
One day, a little girl climbed up the tall tower and came to see Ole. She bowed to Ole and then asked her question: “Why should people do good things?”
It was a seemingly simple but profound question. After listening to it, Ole smiled and asked the little girl, “So, can you tell me, after doing a good deed, did you get the thanks you deserved?”
2.1 The little girl’s experience
The little girl thought about it for a while and told Ole about a recent experience she had:
“My neighbor had a cute little dog, and its owner loved it very much. But one day, the dog disappeared. The next day, when I went to visit my grandmother, I saw the dog outside in the garden. So I took the dog back to its owner. But they just smiled and didn’t thank me.”
2.2 Orie’s answer
After listening to her, Orie shook his head gently and said, “No, they have already thanked you in their hearts. You know, every time we do a good deed, a star is added to the sky. When the day comes, these stars concentrate their light and heat on the sun, so that we can all enjoy the warm sunshine.”
Ollie went on to explain: “In this world, things either go up or down. People who do good deeds will go up and eventually enter heaven. There, they will become a beautiful flower. People who do bad deeds will sink down and eventually fall into hell.”
3. Ole’s profound teaching
Ole finally said to the little girl with deep meaning, “Each of us should do good deeds instead of bad deeds. And if someone has helped you, you should learn to be grateful.”
After listening to this, the little girl’s face showed a satisfied smile. She finally understood why we should do good deeds and also felt the joy of doing good deeds.
4. The truth behind the story
4.1 The significance of doing good deeds
Through this story, we can learn an important truth: doing good deeds not only helps others, but also makes us happy. As Ole said, every good deed adds a star in the sky, and these stars will eventually turn into warm sunshine, illuminating our lives.
4.2 The importance of gratitude
In addition to doing good deeds, the story also emphasizes the importance of gratitude. If we accept help from others, we should be grateful. This grateful mindset will make our world a better place.
5. Words to children: How can we put these principles into practice in our lives?
5.1 Offer to help others
Children, when you see someone in need of help, don’t hesitate to offer a helping hand! Whether it’s picking up a dropped pencil for a classmate or helping an elderly person cross the street, these small acts can show someone else your kindness and make you feel happy too.
5.2 Learn to express gratitude
If you receive help from someone, remember to say “thank you”. Even if it’s a small thing, like a friend lending you an eraser, express your gratitude sincerely. In this way, you will make more people willing to help you, and also make the world a warmer place.
5.3 Make doing good deeds a habit
There is no need to wait for special opportunities to do good deeds. It can become a part of our daily lives. For example, you can smile at your family every day, or help classmates in need at school. If you persist in these small things, you will find that doing good deeds has become part of your life, and you will become happier as a result.
6. Summary: Be a kind person
The story of Ole the Watchtower Keeper tells us that doing good deeds is a worthwhile behavior that not only helps others, but also makes us happy. At the same time, gratitude is also a virtue that can make our lives more harmonious and beautiful.
I hope that children can remember Ole’s words and try to be kind and helpful. When you influence the people around you with your actions, you will discover that the world is becoming a better place because of you!
Through this story, we can not only learn how to do good deeds, but also understand the importance of being grateful. I hope that every child can benefit from it and become a warm and caring person!
