The Princess and the Pea

by: Hans Christian Andersen (1835)

ONCE upon a time there was a prince who wanted to marry a princess; but she would have to be a real princess. He travelled all over the world to find one, but nowhere could he get what he wanted. There were princesses enough, but it was difficult to find out whether they were real ones. There was always something about them that was not as it should be. So he came home again and was sad, for he would have liked very much to have a real princess.

One evening a terrible storm came on; there was thunder and lightning, and the rain poured down in torrents. Suddenly a knocking was heard at the city gate, and the old king went to open it.

"LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER" by Roald Dahl has lessons to be learned

Click here to read classic short story if you are not familiar with it

Although this classic literary work seems too dark for some, it shows some good examples of irony and black comedy.  The Holy Bible reflects the following prophecy about Jesus Christ:

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth. ~~ Isaiah 53:7

In Christianity, Jesus is referred to the Lamb of God.  He came to this earth and died so that people may be saved. His resurrection opened the path to heaven for those that acknowledge and follow Him.  The above passage indicates that he was "led like a lamb to the slaughter"; He was literally slaughtered for humankind. He was betrayed and deceived, as most trusting lambs are. That is not to say that Jesus was naive or did not anticipate his death, but rather that He came here with a purpose and with much love and peace.  Lambs are characterized as peaceful and Jesus is the epitome of peace. This passage also indicates that "he did not open his mouth", meaning He did not protest. He was willing to be the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity.  This is a little different from the classic short story by Roald Dahl but to me the trusting factor is shared by both.