Introduction:
In the short story "A Shady Plot" by Elsie Brown, the protagonist, John Hallock, discovers the dangers of invoking the supernatural through Ouija boards, Tarot cards, and similar means. The lesson conveyed in the story serves as a reminder that humans should not rely on supernatural solutions to solve their problems. Instead, they should face life boldly, using wit and intelligence to overcome difficulties.

1. The consequences of invoking the supernatural:
The story portrays the negative consequences of attempting to invoke the supernatural. When John Hallock reluctantly agrees to write a ghost story with the help of a Ouija board, he unknowingly invites a real ghost named Helen to communicate with him. The supernatural intervention disrupts his life, causing him distress and difficulty in completing his work. This highlights the unpredictability and potentially harmful nature of invoking the supernatural.

2. The importance of facing life boldly:
Through John's experiences, the story emphasizes the importance of facing life's challenges with courage and bravery. Instead of relying on supernatural solutions, John learns to confront his fears head-on. He musters up the courage to confront Helen and demand that she leave him alone. This act of bravery demonstrates the need to confront and overcome difficulties directly, rather than seeking external and potentially harmful solutions.

3. Overcoming difficulties using wit and intelligence:
The story encourages readers to utilize their wit and intelligence to overcome obstacles. John realizes that he can outsmart the ghost by using his writing skills to create a plot that distracts and entertains her. This shows that intelligence and resourcefulness can be effective tools in dealing with challenges. Rather than relying on supernatural intervention, John employs his own abilities to outwit the ghost and ultimately resolve the situation.

Conclusion:
In "A Shady Plot," the lesson is clear: humans should not invoke the supernatural to solve their problems. Instead, they should face life boldly and rely on their own wit and intelligence to overcome difficulties. The story's portrayal of the consequences of invoking the supernatural, the importance of bravery, and the effectiveness of intelligence serves as a reminder that relying on supernatural solutions is unnecessary and potentially harmful.