Subject:
* What the story is about: The subject is the central idea, concept, or theme that the story explores. It's the "what" of the story.
* Broad and open-ended: The subject is often a general concept like love, loss, justice, or identity. It can be interpreted in different ways depending on the reader's perspective.
* Not necessarily explicit: The subject may not be stated directly in the story. It's often something that the reader needs to infer from the events, characters, and themes.
Moral:
* The message or lesson learned: The moral is the specific takeaway or message the story aims to convey to the reader. It's the "so what" of the story.
* Explicit and direct: The moral is usually stated clearly, either through the words of a character or through the actions of the characters.
* Focused and prescriptive: The moral is often a specific piece of advice or a statement about right and wrong.
Examples:
* Subject: Love
* Moral: "Love conquers all."
* Subject: Justice
* Moral: "It is never right to take the law into your own hands."
* Subject: Identity
* Moral: "You are not defined by your mistakes, but by how you learn from them."
Key Differences:
* Scope: The subject is broader, while the moral is more specific.
* Explicitness: The subject is often implied, while the moral is usually explicitly stated.
* Purpose: The subject explores the theme, while the moral aims to teach a lesson.
In essence, the subject provides the context for the story, while the moral offers a specific takeaway. Not all stories have a clear moral, but every story has a subject.