Abdallah the Unhappy
In an unnamed Eastern city, a revered sage is approached by a despondent stranger seeking happiness. The stranger, Abdallah, is wealthy, educated, and well-traveled, yet he remains deeply unhappy despite his efforts to find joy through art, learning, and physical pleasures. The sage advises him to immerse himself in the fine arts and return in a year. Abdallah follows this advice but returns even more miserable, expressing a desire to end his life. The sage, after contemplation, suggests Abdallah spend his remaining time helping others, believing that through selflessness, he might find purpose. Abdallah accepts this challenge, resigning himself to a year of service. When he returns, he is transformed: no longer thin and despondent, he radiates joy and kindness. He reveals that in dedicating himself to the happiness of others, he has discovered his own joy and the value of life. The sage blesses Abdallah, affirming that he has found the true path to happiness through altruism and self-forgetfulness. Abdallah's journey illustrates the profound impact of serving others on personal fulfillment and the essence of true happiness.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1884 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Moral Tale, Literary Fiction · 1,171 words
First lines
A great many years ago there dwelt in a city of the East, of which you have never heard the name, a wise and holy man. He was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, for he was kind and benevolent, never refusing good counsel to those in earnest to profit by it, so that by degrees the fame of his sagacity spread far and wide, and many came from great distances to consult him.
What this Textopian page supports
Abdallah the Unhappy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Moral Tale, Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 1,171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Abdallah the Unhappy by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Abdallah the Unhappy?
- How does this short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Stone Of The Wise Men by Hans Christian Andersen
- After The Fire by Lord Dunsany
- Neither Dorking Nor The Abbey by J. M. Barrie
- The Master Key by L. Frank Baum
- The Wise Old Gnome by Anne Frank
- Towards The Great Peace by Ralph Adams Cram
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of happiness, selflessness, and the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of fulfillment.
- Moral Tale — The story conveys moral lessons about the importance of serving others and finding joy through altruism.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and rich in character development, focusing on the internal struggles of the protagonist.
- Fantasy — The setting and characters possess a mythical quality, typical of tales that convey moral and philosophical lessons.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Coming-of-age · Mystery · Romance · Historical fiction · Young adult · Literary fiction · Classic literature · English literature · 19th century literature · Children's literature