THE PENCIL
Zahid is the main character in the short story. He owns a special pencil. He feels proud of owning the pencil and shows it around. His friends share his happiness while some of them are envious of him. After a few days, he finds his pencil missing. His classmate Dolah has a similar pencil like his. However, the paint on the pencil has been scrapped. Out of suspicion he asks Dolah a few questions to find out if the pencil really belongs to Dolah. Dolah becomes evasive and refuses to answer Zahid’s questions. Zahid accuses Dolah of stealing his pencil and grabs the pencil. Dolah and Zahid fight. The teacher on duty Mr Jamal punishes Zahid for fighting. Dolah gets the teacher’s sympathy. Zahid rushes back when the school bell rings .He hides in the bush and waits for Dolah. He ambushes him.
They fight and Zahid wins. He takes the pencil from inside Dolah’s bag, breaks it into pieces and throws them into the river. Zahid changes from his normal self to become more aggressive and irresponsible. He buys a pocket knife and brings it to school. He cuts Dolah with the knife and is taken to see the school principal. The principal of the school, Mr. Berahim, realises that something is wrong. He gets Zahid to tell him all the things that have happened. He discusses with Mr. Jamal and advises him on what to do. Mr. Berahim gives Zahid two pencils like the one he owned before. Zahid is pleased and feels grateful. He gives one of the pencils to Dolah.
Mr. Jamal enters the class
The pupils become quiet as Mr. Jamal enters the class after recess ends. The pupils greet their teacher and the class monitor approaches Mr. Jamal and tells him that some students have fought during recess. Mr. Jamal is the teacher-in-charge for the day. Mr. Jamal comes to know that Zahid and Dolah are the two boys who fought during recess. He questions them. Zahid tries to explain that Dolah has stolen his pencil. But Mr. Jamal sympathises with Dolah and punishes Zahid with three strokes of the rattan.
Zahid feels disappointed
Zahid accepts the punishment but he feels disappointed and cries in silence. Mr. Jamal on the other hand, feels proud of himself as he has solved a problem with ease. The problem does not end there.
As Mr. Jamal concentrates on his reading, Zahid goes over to Dolah and stares at him angrily. He tells Dolah that he is a great liar and that he has stolen his pencil and craved his initials on it. Zahid hits Dolah on his shoulder because he is upset. Dolah yells and is heard by Mr. Jamal.
Mr. Jamal feels annoyed and calls Zahid to come up to his desk. He asks Zahid what he has just done. Zahid insists that Dolah has stolen his pencil. But, Mr. Jamal only wants to know what Zahid has just done to Dolah. He insists on Zahid admitting to hitting Dolah. Zahid does not say anything and acts as if he is ignorant and stupid. Mr. Jamal pulls Zahid’s ear and asks him to tell the truth. Zahid feels threatened and admits to hitting Dolah. Mr. Jamal pinches Zahid’s stomach and tugs at it, causing much pain to Zahid. His face and ear turn red as a result of Mr. Jamal’s punishment.
Zahid returns to his place in the classroom but looks at Dolah with vengeance. He feels like attacking him but he cannot do anything. He is angry that the thief is free but he, as the owner of the pencil, is being punished. Dolah is in the teacher’s good books instead and he is now the culprit.
Zahid’s interest in the pencil
Zahid has seen the pencil in the bookstore. At first look he intends to own it as the pencil looks unusual. It has a curved plastic handle and is double the length of any ordinary pencils. He plans to be the proud owner of the pencil. The pencil would look different and attract attention. He would then be noticed by his teacher. He feels that if he raises his hand holding the pencil, the teacher would notice him.
The pencil has a huge eraser. Zahid does not mind his friends borrowing the pencil. He would feel happier if his friends use it.
Zahid works hard to buy the pencil
The special pencil costs fifty cents. Zahid does not have enough money. He thinks he can get the money from his grandmother. His grandmother has two dollars, which she needs to pay for the Parents Day fee. She suggests Zahid help out his uncle (Uncle Teh) when he taps rubber. Zahid can help collect the rubber scraps. Zahid agrees willingly and thinks that if he gets more than fifty cents, he would be able to buy a ruler as well. The edge of his present ruler looks like a blade from a saw.
Zahid’s pencil is missing
Soon, Zahid owns the pencil and proudly shows it to his friends. His friends have mixed feelings: some feel happy while others feel envious of him.
In a few days’ time, he finds his pencil missing. The next day, he sees his classmate Dolah having a similar pencil like his. However, the paint on the pencil has been scrapped. Out of suspicion he asks Dolah a few questions to find out if the pencil really belongs to Dolah. Dolah becomes evasive and refuses to answer Zahid’s questions. Zahid accuses Dolah of stealing his pencil and grabs the pencil. Dolah reacts by grabbing the pencil back and they both end up fighting. Zahid loses in the fight as he is of a smaller size compared to Dolah.
Zahid prepares to fight back
Zahid rushes back from school when the bell rings. He looks for a spot to hide in the bush and waits for Dolah. He ambushes Dolah when he passes him. Zahid attacks Dolah and this time because of his anger he wins. He takes the pencil from inside Dolah’s bag, breaks it into pieces and throws them into the river.
Zahid rushes home and hugs his grandmother. He lays his head on her lap in silence. He is sad and regretful of the whole incident. Zahid becomes ill and the fever lasts for three days. Even in his sleep, his mumbles about his pencil. This saddens his grandmother.
Zahid is no longer his old self
Zahid returns to school but he is no longer the quiet type. Zahid becomes aggressive and creates trouble for his classmates. His classmates complain about him to Mr. Jamal. Mr. Jamal gives him a warning but Zahid pays no attention. He is not bothered of anything.
Zahid and Dolah become arch enemies. They look for an opportunity to hurt the other. Zahid carries a piece of wood to protect himself and threatens to knock Dolah’s head off. Soon, Dolah too carries a piece of wood.
Zahid buys a pocket knife
Zahid asks his grandmother for some money to buy a book. He goes to the bookstore but feels emotional when he sees the red pencil. He becomes interested in a three-inch pocket knife and buys it to protect himself.
Zahid causes a lot of trouble in school. He does mischievous things like pouring oil into the aquarium, pulling out the plants in it and slicing up the centipedes and snakes which are preserved. Zahid enjoys what he does and becomes stubborn.
Zahid becomes obsessed with the pocket knife thinking it has some kind of magic. He uses it to show his anger. He even uses it to cut Dolah. It lands him in trouble as it is a serious offence in school.
Zahid meets the principal
Zahid is taken to see the school principal. Mr. Berahim, the school principal has a list of things that Zahid has done in school. He asks Zahid if he has a pocket knife. He continues asking Zahid some questions. He wants Zahid to tell him everything.
Zahid tells the principal that he is afraid of Dolah and that Dolah has stolen a pencil from him, which he treasures. The principal listens. He is a kind man and assures Zahid that he will look into the problem. He wants to know what Zahid wants to do to Dolah if Dolah is found to be in the wrong. Zahid replies that he would not do anything to Dolah. He just wants Mr. Jamal to know the truth.
The principal has a discussion with Mr. Jamal about the pencil. Dolah and Zahid see the principal. The principal threatens Dolah and he admits to stealing the pencil.
The principal and Mr. Jamal have a discussion
The principal and Mr. Jamal discuss the problem. They try to explain why Zahid behaves in such a way. Zahid’s parents do not leave together. He lives with his grandmother. Mr. Jamal learns that Dolah has cried to cover up his action. He does not want Mr. Jamal to know that he has stolen the pencil. The discussion between the principal and Mr. Jamal help make matters clearer to them.
Things get better for Zahid
They fight and Zahid wins. He takes the pencil from inside Dolah’s bag, breaks it into pieces and throws them into the river. Zahid changes from his normal self to become more aggressive and irresponsible. He buys a pocket knife and brings it to school. He cuts Dolah with the knife and is taken to see the school principal. The principal of the school, Mr. Berahim, realises that something is wrong. He gets Zahid to tell him all the things that have happened. He discusses with Mr. Jamal and advises him on what to do. Mr. Berahim gives Zahid two pencils like the one he owned before. Zahid is pleased and feels grateful. He gives one of the pencils to Dolah.
Summary
Mr. Jamal enters the class
The pupils become quiet as Mr. Jamal enters the class after recess ends. The pupils greet their teacher and the class monitor approaches Mr. Jamal and tells him that some students have fought during recess. Mr. Jamal is the teacher-in-charge for the day. Mr. Jamal comes to know that Zahid and Dolah are the two boys who fought during recess. He questions them. Zahid tries to explain that Dolah has stolen his pencil. But Mr. Jamal sympathises with Dolah and punishes Zahid with three strokes of the rattan.
Zahid feels disappointed
Zahid accepts the punishment but he feels disappointed and cries in silence. Mr. Jamal on the other hand, feels proud of himself as he has solved a problem with ease. The problem does not end there.
As Mr. Jamal concentrates on his reading, Zahid goes over to Dolah and stares at him angrily. He tells Dolah that he is a great liar and that he has stolen his pencil and craved his initials on it. Zahid hits Dolah on his shoulder because he is upset. Dolah yells and is heard by Mr. Jamal.
Mr. Jamal feels annoyed and calls Zahid to come up to his desk. He asks Zahid what he has just done. Zahid insists that Dolah has stolen his pencil. But, Mr. Jamal only wants to know what Zahid has just done to Dolah. He insists on Zahid admitting to hitting Dolah. Zahid does not say anything and acts as if he is ignorant and stupid. Mr. Jamal pulls Zahid’s ear and asks him to tell the truth. Zahid feels threatened and admits to hitting Dolah. Mr. Jamal pinches Zahid’s stomach and tugs at it, causing much pain to Zahid. His face and ear turn red as a result of Mr. Jamal’s punishment.
Zahid returns to his place in the classroom but looks at Dolah with vengeance. He feels like attacking him but he cannot do anything. He is angry that the thief is free but he, as the owner of the pencil, is being punished. Dolah is in the teacher’s good books instead and he is now the culprit.
Zahid’s interest in the pencil
Zahid has seen the pencil in the bookstore. At first look he intends to own it as the pencil looks unusual. It has a curved plastic handle and is double the length of any ordinary pencils. He plans to be the proud owner of the pencil. The pencil would look different and attract attention. He would then be noticed by his teacher. He feels that if he raises his hand holding the pencil, the teacher would notice him.
The pencil has a huge eraser. Zahid does not mind his friends borrowing the pencil. He would feel happier if his friends use it.
Zahid works hard to buy the pencil
The special pencil costs fifty cents. Zahid does not have enough money. He thinks he can get the money from his grandmother. His grandmother has two dollars, which she needs to pay for the Parents Day fee. She suggests Zahid help out his uncle (Uncle Teh) when he taps rubber. Zahid can help collect the rubber scraps. Zahid agrees willingly and thinks that if he gets more than fifty cents, he would be able to buy a ruler as well. The edge of his present ruler looks like a blade from a saw.
Zahid’s pencil is missing
Soon, Zahid owns the pencil and proudly shows it to his friends. His friends have mixed feelings: some feel happy while others feel envious of him.
In a few days’ time, he finds his pencil missing. The next day, he sees his classmate Dolah having a similar pencil like his. However, the paint on the pencil has been scrapped. Out of suspicion he asks Dolah a few questions to find out if the pencil really belongs to Dolah. Dolah becomes evasive and refuses to answer Zahid’s questions. Zahid accuses Dolah of stealing his pencil and grabs the pencil. Dolah reacts by grabbing the pencil back and they both end up fighting. Zahid loses in the fight as he is of a smaller size compared to Dolah.
Zahid prepares to fight back
Zahid rushes back from school when the bell rings. He looks for a spot to hide in the bush and waits for Dolah. He ambushes Dolah when he passes him. Zahid attacks Dolah and this time because of his anger he wins. He takes the pencil from inside Dolah’s bag, breaks it into pieces and throws them into the river.
Zahid rushes home and hugs his grandmother. He lays his head on her lap in silence. He is sad and regretful of the whole incident. Zahid becomes ill and the fever lasts for three days. Even in his sleep, his mumbles about his pencil. This saddens his grandmother.
Zahid is no longer his old self
Zahid returns to school but he is no longer the quiet type. Zahid becomes aggressive and creates trouble for his classmates. His classmates complain about him to Mr. Jamal. Mr. Jamal gives him a warning but Zahid pays no attention. He is not bothered of anything.
Zahid and Dolah become arch enemies. They look for an opportunity to hurt the other. Zahid carries a piece of wood to protect himself and threatens to knock Dolah’s head off. Soon, Dolah too carries a piece of wood.
Zahid buys a pocket knife
Zahid asks his grandmother for some money to buy a book. He goes to the bookstore but feels emotional when he sees the red pencil. He becomes interested in a three-inch pocket knife and buys it to protect himself.
Zahid causes a lot of trouble in school. He does mischievous things like pouring oil into the aquarium, pulling out the plants in it and slicing up the centipedes and snakes which are preserved. Zahid enjoys what he does and becomes stubborn.
Zahid becomes obsessed with the pocket knife thinking it has some kind of magic. He uses it to show his anger. He even uses it to cut Dolah. It lands him in trouble as it is a serious offence in school.
Zahid meets the principal
Zahid is taken to see the school principal. Mr. Berahim, the school principal has a list of things that Zahid has done in school. He asks Zahid if he has a pocket knife. He continues asking Zahid some questions. He wants Zahid to tell him everything.
Zahid tells the principal that he is afraid of Dolah and that Dolah has stolen a pencil from him, which he treasures. The principal listens. He is a kind man and assures Zahid that he will look into the problem. He wants to know what Zahid wants to do to Dolah if Dolah is found to be in the wrong. Zahid replies that he would not do anything to Dolah. He just wants Mr. Jamal to know the truth.
The principal has a discussion with Mr. Jamal about the pencil. Dolah and Zahid see the principal. The principal threatens Dolah and he admits to stealing the pencil.
The principal and Mr. Jamal have a discussion
The principal and Mr. Jamal discuss the problem. They try to explain why Zahid behaves in such a way. Zahid’s parents do not leave together. He lives with his grandmother. Mr. Jamal learns that Dolah has cried to cover up his action. He does not want Mr. Jamal to know that he has stolen the pencil. The discussion between the principal and Mr. Jamal help make matters clearer to them.
Things get better for Zahid
Mr. Jamal changes his opinion of Zahid. He knows that Zahid is innocent. He tolerates Zahid’s behaviour in class. He lets Zahid shoulder responsibility in class. He allows Zahid to sit beside him when he tells stories.
Mr. Berahim gives Zahid two red pencils. The pencils are similar to the one Zahid had. He is touched by the principal's act of kindness. Zahid gives one of the pencils to Dolah.
More findings and information for this? All these are copied from http://literature.com.my and you can all find what you need for literature component on "The Pencil" here
Mr. Berahim gives Zahid two red pencils. The pencils are similar to the one Zahid had. He is touched by the principal's act of kindness. Zahid gives one of the pencils to Dolah.
More findings and information for this? All these are copied from http://literature.com.my and you can all find what you need for literature component on "The Pencil" here
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