Book details
Vice in its Proper Shape / Or, The Wonderful and Melancholy Transformation of Several / Naughty Masters and Misses Into Those Contemptible Animals / Which They Most Resemble In Disposition.
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Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 26379
- Title
- Vice in its Proper Shape / Or, The Wonderful and Melancholy Transformation of Several / Naughty Masters and Misses Into Those Contemptible Animals / Which They Most Resemble In Disposition.
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
A satirical tale of moral transformation where naughty children, after death, are reincarnated as animals matching their vices. This whimsical fable uses humor and vivid imagery to warn young readers against folly, pride, and ill temper through the lens of ancient transmigration beliefs.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
In Worcester, Massachusetts, a narrator guides his seven children to a humble dwelling operated by a Brahmin named Wiseman. Wiseman explains the ancient belief that the souls of deceased individuals inhabit animals, allowing visitors to see the 'proper shapes' of those who misbehaved in life. The group tours several rooms to witness these transformations. First, they encounter an ass inhabited by Jack Idle, a boy known for his stupidity and willingness to be used by others. Jack died falling from a tree while fishing after being persuaded by friends to retrieve a fishing line. Next, they meet a snarling cur housing Stephen Churl, a litigious and quarrelsome youth who was ostracized for constant fighting and eventually died a beggar among gypsies. The third room reveals a monkey containing the soul of Monsieur Fribble, a vain, effeminate, and mocking boy who died from overeating rich sweets. Finally, they view a venomous serpent animated by Miss Abigail Eviltongue, a slanderous girl who destroyed reputations with lies and died of a broken heart. Wiseman notes that other animals, such as a tiger and a fox, also house naughty souls, while a parrot represents Master Gabble, a talkative boy who spoke without thinking. The text concludes by urging readers to avoid the crimes and follies depicted, lest they face similar humiliating transformations after death.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26379.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg26379.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-07-06 02:23 UTC
People
Authors
- Anonymous
Classification
Categories
- Juvenile Fiction
- Vice