(Intermediate) A Clever Thief by Nancy Bell

 

 

Intermediate

Story

In a quaint village nestled in the heart of India lived Hari-Sarman, a man whose laziness knew no bounds. With a wife named Vidya and a gaggle of children, Hari-Sarman's idle ways made it challenging for the family to make ends meet. Instead of toiling for their livelihood, they relied on the generosity of their neighbors, resorting to begging and petty theft.

 

Frustrated with their meager existence, Hari-Sarman concocted a scheme to escape their dreary life. He proposed to Vidya that they venture to a bustling city, where he would pose as a wise sage with the power to unveil secrets, while Vidya would pass herself off as an expert in childcare. Eager for change, Vidya agreed, and the family embarked on their journey.

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Their arrival in the city brought them unexpected fortune when a wealthy merchant offered them employment. Hari-Sarman was tasked with uncovering secrets, while Vidya assisted with household duties. Their children were sent to work on a farm, reveling in the newfound sense of purpose and abundance.

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However, Hari-Sarman's contentment was short-lived. Despite the lavish surroundings, he felt overlooked and insignificant. An opportunity to regain attention presented itself when the merchant's prized mare went missing. Seizing upon the chance to prove his worth, Hari-Sarman devised a plan to "discover" the missing animal and claim the reward.

Under the cover of darkness, Hari-Sarman spirited the mare away to a secluded spot in the forest. When the disappearance was discovered, Vidya suggested summoning Hari-Sarman, extolling his supposed ability to reveal secrets. Reluctantly, Hari-Sarman agreed to assist, although he harbored resentment towards his wife for her earlier neglect of the family.

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Pretending reluctance, Hari-Sarman eventually led the merchant to the hidden mare, earning accolades and admiration. But his newfound status was short-lived when a greater challenge arose: the theft of the king's treasures.

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Summoned before the king, Hari-Sarman faced a daunting task: identifying the thief and recovering the stolen riches. Knowing his limitations, Hari-Sarman bought time by promising to reveal the culprit within twenty-four hours.

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Imprisoned and facing impending doom, Hari-Sarman lamented his predicament. But fate intervened in the form of Jihva, a servant girl entangled in the theft. Moved by

her plea, Hari-Sarman agreed to spare her from punishment in exchange for information.

With Jihva's assistance, Hari-Sarman led the king to the hidden treasure, earning further accolades and rewards. Yet, lingering doubts surfaced among the king's advisors, prompting a test of Hari-Sarman's abilities.

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Presented with a pitcher containing a live frog, Hari-Sarman's cleverness prevailed once more as he accurately guessed its contents. Applauded for his ingenuity, Hari-Sarman received even greater honors and rewards from the king.

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But despite his triumphs, Hari-Sarman remained wary of his precarious position. Fearing exposure, he vanished into the night, leaving behind his family and newfound fortune.

In the end, Hari-Sarman's legacy remained shrouded in mystery, leaving those who crossed his path to ponder the true nature of the clever thief.

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Words and Idioms

⠂Quaint (Adjective) - Charming in an attractively unusual or old-fashioned way.

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⠂Nestled (Verb) - Positioned or tucked away snugly.

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⠂No bounds (Phrase) - Without limits or restrictions.

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⠂A gaggle of (Phrase) - A group of individuals or things.

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⠂Idle ways (Noun) - Unproductive or inactive methods.

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⠂Toiling (Verb) - Working hard and continuously.

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⠂Make ends meet (Idiom) - To have enough money to cover basic expenses.

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⠂Relied on (Verb) - Depended on for support or assistance.

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⠂Petty theft (Noun) - Minor or insignificant stealing.

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⠂Meager existence (Noun) - A life characterized by lack or scarcity.

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⠂Resorting (Verb) - Turning to or utilizing something as a last resort.

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⠂Concoct a scheme (Verb) - Devising a plan, often cunning or deceptive.

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⠂Dreary (Adjective) - Dull, gloomy, or depressing.

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⠂A bustling city (Phrase) - A lively and busy urban area.

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⠂Eager (Adjective) - Showing keen interest or enthusiasm.

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⠂Embarked on their journey (Phrase) - Started or set out on their journey.

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⠂Unexpected fortune (Phrase) - Surprising or unforeseen wealth or luck.

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⠂Task (Verb) - Assigning a specific job or duty.

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⠂Revel (Verb) - Delight or take great pleasure in something.

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⠂Newfound (Adjective) - Recently discovered or acquired.

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⠂Sense of purpose (Phrase) - A feeling of direction or significance in life.

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⠂Abundance (Noun) - A large quantity or plentiful supply.

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⠂Contentment (Noun) - Satisfaction and happiness with one's situation.

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⠂Lavish (Adjective) - Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.

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⠂Insignificant (Adjective) - Unimportant or trivial.

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⠂Mare (Noun) - A female horse.

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⠂Devised a plan (Verb) - Created or formulated a plan.

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⠂Spirit away to (Verb) - Secretly or swiftly take away to a different place.

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⠂A secluded spot (Phrase) - A private or isolated location.

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⠂Summon (Verb) - Call upon someone to be present.

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⠂Seizing upon (Phrase) - Taking advantage of an opportunity quickly and decisively.

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⠂Reluctantly (Adverb) - With hesitation or unwillingness.

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⠂Harbored (Verb) - Held or nurtured (a thought or feeling).

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⠂Resentment (Noun) - Bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

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⠂Neglect of (Noun) - Failure to care for or pay attention to.

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⠂Accolades (Noun) - Expressions of praise or admiration.

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⠂Daunting (Adjective) - Intimidating or discouraging.

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⠂Culprit (Noun) - A person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.

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⠂Impending doom (Phrase) - An imminent or looming disaster or misfortune.

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⠂Lament (Verb) - Express sorrow or regret for.

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⠂Predicament (Noun) - A difficult or problematic situation.

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⠂Intervene (Verb) - Become involved in a situation to alter the outcome.

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⠂Entangled (Adjective) - Caught up in or involved in a complex or confusing situation.

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⠂Plea (Noun) - A heartfelt request or appeal.

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⠂In exchange for (Phrase) - In return for.

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⠂Accolades (Noun) - Expressions of admiration or recognition.

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⠂Prompting (Verb) - Encouraging or inciting.

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⠂Prevail (Verb) - Triumph or emerge victorious.

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⠂Lingering doubts (Phrase) - Persistent or remaining uncertainties.

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⠂Surface (Verb) - Come to the forefront or become apparent.

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⠂Prevail (Verb) - be victorious.

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⠂Triumphs (Noun) - Great victories or successes.

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⠂Precarious (Adjective) - Unstable, uncertain, or risky.

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⠂Vanish (Verb) - Disappear suddenly or entirely.

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⠂Legacy (Noun) - Something handed down from the past, often with significance or influence.

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⠂Shrouded in mystery (Phrase) - Surrounded by secrets or unknown factors.

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⠂Ponder the true nature (Verb) - Reflect on or contemplate the real essence or character.

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Questions

1. What motivated Hari-Sarman to concoct a scheme to escape his village life?

a) Desire for adventure and excitement

b) Frustration with the family's meager existence

c) Yearning for a deeper sense of purpose

d) Ambition to become a wealthy merchant

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2. How does Hari-Sarman's initial plan to pose as a wise sage reflect his character traits?

a) Cunning and deceitful

b) Innovative and resourceful

c) Generous and selfless

d) Honest and straightforward

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3. What was the consequence of Hari-Sarman's decision to steal the merchant's prized mare?

a) He was praised and rewarded by the king.

b) He faced condemnation and punishment by the villagers.

c) He earned the respect and admiration of his family.

d) He faced a greater challenge involving the theft of the king's treasures.

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4. How did Hari-Sarman ultimately assist the king in recovering the stolen riches?

a) By revealing his own involvement in the theft

b) By using his cleverness to identify the true culprit

c) By bribing the king's advisors to overlook his role

d) By fleeing the kingdom to avoid facing consequences

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5. What does the theft of the king's treasures symbolize in the story? a) The allure of wealth and power

b) The consequences of greed and deceit

c) The importance of honesty and integrity

d) The unpredictability of fate and destiny

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6. How does the character of Jihva contribute to the theme of redemption in the story?

a) By serving as Hari-Sarman's accomplice in the theft

b) By representing the innocence and purity lost in the theft

c) By seeking forgiveness and redemption for her actions

d) By exposing Hari-Sarman's deceitful nature to the king

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AP test style writing topics:

1. Analyze the character development of Hari-Sarman throughout the story, focusing on his motivations, actions, and ultimate fate. How does his journey reflect broader themes of morality and redemption?

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2. Discuss the significance of the stolen mare and the king's treasures as symbols in the story. How do these objects shape the narrative and contribute to the overall themes of greed, deception, and consequence?

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3. Evaluate the role of manipulation and cleverness in Hari-Sarman's interactions with other characters, including his wife, the merchant, and the king. How does his use of deceitful tactics both propel the plot forward and reveal insights into his character?

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Answer Keys

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1. b) Frustration with the family's meager existence
2. a) Cunning and deceitful
3. b) He faced condemnation and punishment by the villagers.
4. b) By using his cleverness to identify the true culprit
5. b) The consequences of greed and deceit
6. c) By seeking forgiveness and redemption for her actions

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1. Throughout the story, Hari-Sarman undergoes significant character development, transitioning from a lazy and opportunistic individual to someone who grapples with the consequences of his actions. Initially motivated by frustration with his family's impoverished existence, Hari-Sarman concocts a scheme to escape their dreary life. His actions are driven by a desire for change and a belief that deception and manipulation are the means to achieve it. However, as the story progresses, Hari-Sarman's motivations become more complex. He experiences moments of doubt and guilt, particularly when faced with the repercussions of his deceitful actions.

Hari-Sarman's ultimate fate serves as a reflection of the broader themes of morality and redemption present in the story. Despite his initial success in manipulating others and achieving temporary gains, Hari-Sarman's dishonesty eventually catches up with him. His journey highlights the inherent moral dilemmas associated with deception and the importance of integrity in one's actions. In the end, Hari-Sarman's disappearance into the night signifies both his acknowledgment of the consequences of his actions and his unresolved internal conflict regarding his past behavior.

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2. The stolen mare and the king's treasures serve as powerful symbols in the story, representing themes of greed, deception, and consequence. The mare, initially stolen by Hari-Sarman to regain attention and respect, symbolizes the allure of material wealth and the lengths to which individuals may go to attain it. Its disappearance sets off a chain of events that expose the characters' true motivations and ethical boundaries.

Similarly, the king's treasures symbolize ultimate power and authority. Their theft not only poses a direct challenge to the king's rule but also serves as a catalyst for moral introspection among the characters. The consequences of

this theft reveal the inherent risks and moral compromises associated with greed and deceit. Ultimately, both the stolen mare and the king's treasures shape the narrative by driving the characters' actions and highlighting the ethical complexities inherent in their pursuit of wealth and status.

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3. Hari-Sarman's interactions with other characters underscore the role of manipulation and cleverness in shaping his journey. His relationship with his wife, Vidya, is characterized by mutual manipulation and exploitation, as they both seek to further their own interests at the expense of others. Similarly, Hari-Sarman's interactions with the merchant and the king are marked by deceit and cunning, as he uses his perceived wisdom and expertise to manipulate their perceptions and gain favor.

However, Hari-Sarman's use of deceitful tactics also reveals insights into his character. While initially driven by selfish motives, his actions are ultimately motivated by a desire for recognition and respect. Despite his flaws, Hari-Sarman demonstrates a certain level of intelligence and resourcefulness in navigating the complexities of his environment. His manipulation of others serves as a means of survival in a world where deceit and cunning are often rewarded. However, it is ultimately his inability to reconcile his actions with his conscience that leads to his downfall, highlighting the moral ambiguity inherent in his character.

 

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