About the Author
The story "The Old-Clock Shop" is part of the NCERT "A Pact with the Sun" textbook for Class 6. It is not credited to a single author, as it is likely an adapted tale or a story written specifically for the textbook to teach young students valuable life lessons. The NCERT team selects such stories to share messages of kindness, understanding, and hope in a simple way that children can relate to.
What’s the Story About?
This story is a heartwarming tale set on Christmas Eve in a small shop called the Old-Clock Shop. The shop is owned by an old man named Ray, who repairs and sells clocks. The shop is quiet, filled with the soft ticking of many clocks, creating a peaceful feeling. It’s a cold winter night, and Ray is getting ready to close the shop when two men walk in. They look rough and seem like they might be up to no good, which makes Ray a little worried.
Ray stays calm and watches them carefully. The men don’t have much money, but one of them has a watch he wants to pawn (give to the shop for some money). Ray can tell they need help, not trouble. Instead of being scared or rude, Ray decides to be kind. He listens to them and understands they are in a tough spot, maybe desperate for money during the holiday season.
Instead of just taking the watch, Ray offers them a fair deal. He gives them some money and a clock from his shop, treating them with respect. His kindness surprises the men. They feel touched by Ray’s trust and leave the shop without causing any harm. The clocks in the shop seem to tick louder, as if they are happy about the peaceful moment.
The story ends with a warm feeling, showing how kindness can change people’s hearts, even in difficult times. Ray’s gentle actions turn a scary situation into one of hope and understanding, making it a true Christmas miracle.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Ray: The main character, an old man who owns the Old-Clock Shop. He is kind, wise, and calm, even when he feels nervous.
- The Two Men: Strangers who enter the shop looking rough and possibly dangerous. They need money and seem desperate but are touched by Ray’s kindness.
- The Clocks: Not people, but important in the story. They fill the shop with their ticking, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
Themes and Moral
Themes:
- Kindness and Trust: Ray shows that being kind and trusting others, even when they seem scary, can lead to good outcomes.
- Hope: The story happens on Christmas Eve, a time of hope and goodwill. Ray’s actions bring hope to a tense situation.
- Understanding Others: Instead of judging the men, Ray tries to understand their needs, showing that everyone deserves a chance.
Moral: Kindness and trust can turn a bad situation into a good one. Treating others with respect, even when you’re unsure, can create peace and happiness.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the story, explained in simple language:
- Pawn: To give something valuable, like a watch, to a shop for money, with a promise to take it back later.
- Ticking: The soft sound clocks make, like “tick-tock,” when they are working.
- Desperate: Feeling a strong need for something, like money or food, and being ready to do anything to get it.
- Kindness: Being nice and caring to others, like helping someone without expecting anything back.
- Peaceful: Calm and quiet, with no fighting or trouble, like a silent night.
- Stranger: A person you don’t know, like someone you meet for the first time.
- Respect: Treating someone nicely and valuing them, like listening to what they say.
- Miracle: A wonderful event that feels special, like something magical happening when you least expect it.
These words help you understand the story’s message. Try using them when you talk about being kind or helping others!