What is the summary of The Pieces of Silver?

Answer 1

Pieces of Silver begins as the school bell is rung and the boys line up in the playing field for inspection by their teachers.

An assembly is called where the acting head, Mr. Chase, asks for contributions to the retiring head's present. The retiring head is called Mr. Megahey.

The boys give their contributions, although many of them are poor and their families cannot afford to part with any money. The boys who do not contribute are brought up onto the stage and humiliated by being marked with a white X on their foreheads. They are told that if they do not contribute to the collection the following day they will suffer further humiliation.

Clement, who is one of the boys singled out by Mr. Chase, goes home to his family to ask for some money. His father refuses, however, because they are poor and need all the money they have for themselves.

Evelina is Clement's sister; they are close and she cares for her brother like a mother. She supports him by suggesting that they go singing to raise some money. They do this and raise a decent sum of money. The last house they call at is a pretentious red brick building which turns out to be the home of the retiring headteacher, Mr. Megahey. He gives them a generous donation of sixpence, their biggest of the night.

The next day at school Mr. Chase eyes the boy's bowed heads' as they stand on the platform in anticipation of further humiliating them. To his surprise, Clement presents eight pieces of silver to him saying 'there is one for each of us'. The final impression we are left with is one of hope and triumph.

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The action of this story covers twenty-four hours in the life of Clement Dovecot from one morning at school to the next.

Answer 2

"The Pieces of Silver" is a short story by Karl Sealy that explores themes of betrayal and redemption. The story follows a boy named Terry who steals silverware from his employer but ultimately learns the value of honesty and integrity through the consequences of his actions. Terry's journey towards self-discovery and making amends forms the heart of the narrative.