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

Key Points of the Story

•  An unattractive and not very playful puppy is named Attila by his owners after much debate. 
• Attila surprises the family with his love for humanity, warmly welcoming various visitors. 
• The family debates Attila's usefulness and cost, with opinions divided on his value. 
• Attila's behavior towards a burglar leads to unexpected heroism, revealing his loyalty and cunning. 

Detailed Summary

Some in the family thought Attila ate too much and didn't do much to protect the garden. But the youngest member defended him, saying Attila had better things to do than catch flower thieves. The family had mixed feelings about Attila, with the mother finding him more of a burden than a help. One night, a burglar named Ranga broke into the house. As he was about to leave with stolen items, he encountered Attila. Instead of barking or attacking, Attila showed affection towards the burglar, confusing him. Eventually, Attila's presence led to the burglar's capture, turning Attila into a hero. Ranga, the burglar, was trying to escape when Attila chased and blocked him, causing Ranga to stumble and drop the stolen jewelry. 

This incident led to Ranga's capture by the police and Attila being hailed as a hero. Even the lady of the house, who had doubts about Attila, praised his cleverness in catching the burglar. Attila's actions showed that sometimes even the most unlikely heroes can emerge in unexpected situations. His loyalty and unexpected behavior saved the day and changed the family's perception of him. Despite not being able to speak, Attila's actions spoke louder than words, making him a cherished member of the family. In conclusion, Attila's story teaches us that appearances can be deceiving, and true heroism often lies in unexpected places. It's a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the power of kindness, showing that even a simple dog can have a big impact on those around him.

Theme/Message

Message: The story conveys the message that true loyalty and friendship can often be found in unexpected places. Attila's actions demonstrate that loyalty and companionship can transcend appearances and societal expectations, leading to surprising and heroic outcomes. 

Character Sketch

• Attila: A large, not particularly attractive dog with a deep love for humanity. His behavior is often misunderstood by his family and others, but he proves his loyalty and worth in an unconventional way. Attila's actions are driven by love and the desire for companionship, making him a unique and memorable character.
• The Family: Attila's family is initially skeptical of his abilities as a guard dog, focusing on his shortcomings. However, they come to appreciate his unique qualities and loyalty after he inadvertently helps catch a burglar.
• Ranga: A burglar and laborer who breaks into Attila's home but ends up befriending the dog. Ranga's initial fear of Attila turns into annoyance as the dog's constant companionship becomes a burden. However, this relationship ultimately leads to Ranga's capture.
• The Defender: A family member who consistently supports and defends Attila, believing in his worth and loyalty despite evidence to the contrary.

Difficult Words

2. Mongrel - a dog of mixed breed 

3. Census - an official count of a population 

4. Forbidding - threatening or unfriendly 

5. Mendicants - beggars 

6. Gesture - a movement of the body to show an idea or feeling 

7. Misery - severe unhappiness 

8. Prowl - move in a stealthy manner 

9. Burglar - a thief 

10. Gang coolie - a laborer 

11. Forepaws - front paws 

12. Obligingly - in a way that shows a willingness to agree to do something 

13. Ambition - a strong desire to achieve or do something 

14. Implored - begged 

15. Glued - fixed 

These words are used in the story to describe various aspects of Attila's behavior and the events that unfold, adding depth to the narrative.