About the Author
Rowena Hill was a writer from India who loved telling stories that teach good lessons. She wrote simple tales for children and grown-ups, often about kindness and freedom. Her books make you think about life in a fun way. She lived in the 1900s and her stories are still read in schools today. "I Want Something in a Cage" is one of her short stories that shows how important it is to be free, like birds in the sky.
What’s the Story About?
This is a short story about a pet shop owner and a strange visitor who teaches a big lesson without saying many words. It's like a quiet adventure in a noisy shop full of animals. Let me tell it step by step, like sharing a secret over tea, so you can feel the excitement and sadness in it.
The story begins in a busy pet shop owned by Mr. Purcell. His shop is like a little zoo – shelves full of cages with birds chirping sadly, mice running in circles, and fish swimming in bowls. The air is filled with whispers, squeaks, and rustles from all these scared animals who want to be free. But customers come in, say "How cute!" and buy them without thinking twice. Mr. Purcell loves his job. He sells cats, dogs, monkeys, fish food, bird seeds, and even fancy cages made of gold. He smiles a lot, rubs his hands, and shakes his head happily when people buy things.
One cold winter morning, a new customer walks in. He looks odd – wearing a cheap new suit that's too stiff, with a tie that's not straight, and shoes that shine too much. His face is serious, like he's thinking deep thoughts. Mr. Purcell greets him warmly, talking about the cold weather and asking what he wants. The man stares at him for a long time, then says slowly, "I want something in a cage."
Mr. Purcell is puzzled but excited. He shows birds, mice, even a squirrel. But the man shakes his head each time. Finally, he points to a small cage hanging high up, with two white doves inside. They look soft and snowy, but their eyes are sad. "Those," he says. "Something small, with wings." Mr. Purcell says they cost five dollars and fifty cents. The man pulls out five dollars – all he has – and looks sad. But Mr. Purcell, feeling kind, lets him have it for five dollars.
As the man leaves, holding the cage high like a trophy, Mr. Purcell calls out tips on feeding the birds and cleaning the cage. The man doesn't even turn around. Outside, in the cold street, he stops. With a quick move, he opens the cage door. One dove hops out, then the other. He tosses them gently into the air. They flap their wings, circle once, and fly away high into the blue sky, free at last. The man watches them go, a small smile on his face. Then he drops the empty cage on the ground with a clang and walks away, shoulders straight.
Later, Mr. Purcell wonders about the man. He learns from a friend that the man had just come out of jail after ten long years. That's why he bought the birds – not to keep them, but to set them free. He knew how it felt to be locked up, and he wanted those doves to taste the sweet air of freedom, just like he was doing now.
The story ends making you think: What is real kindness? It's not just buying things, but understanding pain and giving wings to those who need them. Next time you see a bird in a cage, you'll remember this tale and wish it could fly too!
Who’s Who in the Story
This story has just a few main people (and some animals), but each one plays a big part, like actors in a short play. Here's who they are:
- Mr. Purcell: The cheerful shop owner who loves selling pets and cages. He's round and jolly, always smiling and rubbing his hands, but he doesn't see how sad the animals are.
- The Stranger (the Man): A quiet visitor in a stiff new suit, fresh out of jail after ten years. He's serious and kind-hearted, with eyes that have seen hard times. He buys the doves to free them, showing his love for liberty.
- The Two Doves: Soft white birds in a cage, looking scared and hopeful. They're like silent friends who get the best gift – their freedom – at the end.
- Other Animals: Mice, squirrels, fish, and birds in the shop – they make noises and move around, showing the busy, sad life in cages.
These characters make the story feel real, like people and pets you might meet in your town market.
Themes and Moral
Themes (big ideas in the story):
- The Pain of Being Caged: Animals in the shop are trapped and scared, just like the man was in jail – it shows how freedom is a basic need for all living things.
- True Kindness: Mr. Purcell sells cages happily, but the stranger shows real care by setting birds free, teaching that helping others feel joy is the best gift.
- Value of Freedom: The story reminds us that after being locked up, tasting open air is like magic – for birds or people.
Moral (the lesson we learn): Freedom is the most precious thing, and we should never take it away from others without reason. Like the stranger, we can be kind by letting go of what holds back – whether it's opening a cage for a bird or helping a friend chase their dreams. So, plant trees for birds to nest, don't trap butterflies, and always choose freedom over chains. It will make your heart light, like wings in the wind!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some special words and short sayings from the story. I picked easy ones that might be new, and explained them with simple meanings and examples, like chatting during recess.
- Scampered (from "small feet scampered"): Ran quickly in short, nervous steps. Example: The little mouse scampered across the floor when the cat came near.
- Bewildered (from "frightened, bewildered"): Confused and lost, not knowing what to do. Example: The new boy looked bewildered on his first day at school, staring at all the big buildings.
- Briskly (from "briskly rub his hands"): Quickly and with energy. Example: Grandma briskly swept the floor before guests arrived for tea.
- Emphatically (from "emphatically shake his head"): Strongly and with full force, to show you mean it. Example: "No, I won't eat veggies!" said the kid emphatically, crossing his arms.
- Stiffly (from "moved stiffly"): In a rigid way, not bending easily, like something starched. Example: After sitting too long, Raj walked stiffly to stretch his legs.
- Prescribed (from "prescribed medicine"): Gave advice or ordered, like a doctor for sick pets. Example: The vet prescribed drops for the puppy's sore eyes.
- Melon-like (phrase): Round and fat, like a big watermelon. Example: Uncle's tummy was melon-like after eating too many sweets at the fair.
These words add color to the story, but now you can use them in your own tales! Try one when describing a pet you saw at the market.