Fire Stones Summary Class 7 Buzzword

Key Points of the Story

• The devastating tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused widespread destruction along the Indian Ocean coastlines.
• The tsunami was triggered by an earthquake or seaquake, leading to massive volumes of water being flung towards land.
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, were severely affected.
• The story follows two boys, an islander (the narrator) and a Shompen boy, experiencing the tsunami.
• The Shompen boy warns the narrator about the impending danger of the "mountain wave."
• The narrator's money pouch is stolen by the Shompen boy, leading to a chase.
• Both boys climb a tree to escape the tsunami, eventually getting rescued by a canoe.
• The Shompen boy's selfless act of saving the narrator's life is revealed, emphasizing trust and gratitude.

Detailed Summary

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of two boys—an islander who serves as the narrator and a Shompen boy. The narrator initially admires the approaching wave, likening it to a majestic force of nature. The Shompen boy warns him of the impending danger, referring to the approaching wave as a "mountain wave." Despite the warning, the narrator is momentarily distracted as the Shompen boy attempts to pick his pocket. As the wave draws closer, the boys race to higher ground, climbing a hill to escape the advancing water. 

The Shompen boy, agile and quick, helps the narrator reach safety by pulling him onto a tree. Together, they cling to the ancient tree as the wave inundates the land, turning the hill into a temporary island where only they survive. During their time on the tree, the Shompen boy reveals his collection of fire stones to the narrator. These fire stones hold significance for him, symbolizing his culture and resilience in the face of adversity. They wait for rescue as hours pass. 

Eventually, rescue boats arrive, offering them a way to safety. The narrator hesitates, but the Shompen boy leaps onto a passing canoe without hesitation, swiftly making his way to safety. Before disappearing into the jungle, he silently returns the narrator's stolen money pouch, containing not only the money but also two black stones—his precious fire stones. 

The narrator realizes the true intentions behind the theft—the Shompen boy had orchestrated the incident to ensure the narrator's safety, risking his own life in the process. Grateful for the selfless act of the Shompen boy, the narrator learns a valuable lesson in trust and gratitude. This poignant tale, penned by Eoin Colfer, encapsulates themes of survival, trust, and selflessness amidst a backdrop of natural disaster, highlighting the bonds that can form in the face of adversity.

Theme/Message

Themes:

• The story shows the impact of a tsunami on two boys, highlighting bravery and unexpected friendship. 
• The islander learns the importance of trust when a Shompen boy helps him escape danger while risking his own life. 
• It also emphasizes how quick judgments can lead to misunderstandings, as the theft turned out to be a way to save the islander. 
• In the end, they bond over survival and shared experiences.

Message:

• Trusting others and showing gratitude can lead to unexpected alliances and mutual support.
• In times of crisis, acts of kindness and selflessness can have profound impacts on relationships and outcomes.

Difficult Words

1. Destitute - extremely poor; lacking basic necessities
2. Churn - to agitate or stir vigorously
3. Retreated - moved back or away from a previous position
4. Rumbled - made a deep, continuous sound
5. Reluctantly - unwilling or hesitant
6. Disobey - to refuse to follow rules or commands
7. Darted - moved suddenly and rapidly
8. Perch - a resting place or vantage point
9. Squat - crouch or sit with knees bent and heels close to or touching the buttocks
10. Rescue - to save from a dangerous or distressing situation
11. Neatly - in an orderly or tidy manner
12. Ruse - a trick or action intended to deceive someone
13. Mistrust - lack of trust or confidence in someone or something
14. Resilience - the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
15. Interpersonal - relating to relationships between people