The purpose of stories is not only to entertain, but also to instruct and educate others. Such as with Frederick Douglass's autobiography, he uses that to educate others about his life as slave, and to show the cruelties of many white slave masters. But as with fairy tales, like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”, some stories literally, just tell a story. But many have background ideals or motives. As with “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” the background motive is to teach young children that lying is bad and can lead to serious consequences. While the story does not straight out say”Lying is bad don't do it”, it gives children an example- a far fetched example, but an example none the least of what, probably won't, but could happen if you lie. A story could also persuade others, such as if you were telling your future medical school a personal narrative about a time you saved someone's life. They can be used to persuade others, that due to past experiences and ordeals, that you are more knowledgeable on a subject that may be most others are. Stories can be told to persuade, educate, instruct or even just entertain the reader or the audience.
