Summary: Stepping out | Class 6 English Skylark: Summary, Worksheets, Question & Ans PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• Oliver gets permission to work on the streets under the guardianship of Charley Bates and the Artful Dodger.
• The boys set out, appearing as if they might deceive Fagin, their mentor.
• The Dodger signals the others to approach an old gentleman at a bookstall.
• Oliver witnesses the Dodger stealing a handkerchief from the old man.
• Chaos ensues as the old man and the boys engage in a chase, with Oliver eventually getting caught.

Detailed Summary

One morning, Oliver got permission to go out and work on the streets. He was put under the care of Charley Bates and the Artful Dodger by Fagin. The three boys went out, with the Dodger looking his usual self, and Oliver wondering what they were up to.

Oliver started to worry that his companions were tricking Fagin by not working. As they left a narrow court, the Dodger suddenly stopped and signaled for caution. Oliver asked what was happening, but he was hushed. The Dodger spotted an old man at a bookstall and decided he was the one they needed.

Without explanation, the boys quietly followed the old man. Oliver, unsure whether to stay or go, watched in surprise. The Dodger then swiftly reached into the man's pocket, took out a handkerchief, passed it to Bates, and they all ran away.

Oliver was horrified and confused, feeling like he was in a fire. He ran off in a daze. The old man noticed his missing handkerchief as Oliver fled, assuming Oliver was the thief. He yelled 'Stop thief!' and chased after him.

The Dodger and Bates, not wanting attention, joined the chase, pretending to be good citizens. The commotion caused by the cry 'Stop thief!' made everyone in the area join in the pursuit. The chaos of the chase was described vividly.

Oliver, covered in dirt and blood, was surrounded by onlookers when the old man arrived. A man claimed credit for stopping Oliver, hoping for a reward. The old man, however, seemed hesitant and was ready to leave when a police officer arrived and caught Oliver.

Despite Oliver's pleas and confusion, the officer dragged him away, with the old man's compassion sparing Oliver from harm. The officer recognized Oliver and, with the old man in tow, they moved through the streets as the crowd gawked and the boys celebrated their escape.

Theme/ Message

Theme: The theme of this chapter revolves around deception, innocence, and the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals in society. It highlights how manipulation and criminal influences can corrupt the innocence of a young boy like Oliver.

Message: Through Oliver's experiences, the message conveyed is the importance of empathy, the consequences of criminal influences, and the resilience needed to navigate a world filled with deception and challenges. It also emphasizes the potential for redemption and the impact of kindness and compassion in a harsh world.

Difficult Words

• Guardianship: The responsibility of protecting and taking care of someone.
• Deceive: To trick or mislead someone by giving false impressions.
• Stealthily: Moving quietly and carefully to avoid being noticed.
• Depredator: A person who plunders or causes destruction.
• Lubberly: Clumsy or awkward in movement or appearance.
• Pell-mell: In a hurried, confused, or disorderly manner.
• Jostling: Pushing, shoving, or bumping against someone in a crowd.
• Compassionately: Showing sympathy and concern for others' sufferings.
• Rapid: Happening or moving quickly or at a fast pace.
• Tingling: A slight stinging or prickling sensation.