The Schoolboy’s Story Page #4

"The Schoolboy’s Story" is a poignant short story by Charles Dickens that reflects on the experiences of a young schoolboy. Set in a grim educational environment, the narrative captures the child's perspective, highlighting the challenges of school life, the expectations of authority, and the longing for freedom and understanding. Through rich, evocative prose, Dickens explores themes of innocence, hardship, and the emotional struggles faced by children, ultimately serving as a critique of the education system of his time. The story conveys a sense of nostalgia and empathy for youth, urging readers to consider the impact of their own formative experiences.

• Short story

								


“Never! never! never!” on all sides.

I didn’t understand what she meant then, but of course I do now.  I was
very much pleased with her face though, and with her good way, and I
couldn’t help looking at her—and at him too—with all our fellows
clustering so joyfully about them.

They soon took notice of me as a new boy, so I thought I might as well
swarm up the wall myself, and shake hands with them as the rest did.  I
was quite as glad to see them as the rest were, and was quite as familiar
with them in a moment.

“Only a fortnight now,” said Old Cheeseman, “to the holidays.  Who stops?
Anybody?”

A good many fingers pointed at me, and a good many voices cried “He
does!”  For it was the year when you were all away; and rather low I was
about it, I can tell you.

“Oh!” said Old Cheeseman.  “But it’s solitary here in the holiday time.
He had better come to us.”

So I went to their delightful house, and was as happy as I could possibly
be.  They understand how to conduct themselves towards boys, they do.
When they take a boy to the play, for instance, they do take him.  They
don’t go in after it’s begun, or come out before it’s over.  They know
how to bring a boy up, too.  Look at their own!  Though he is very little
as yet, what a capital boy he is!  Why, my next favourite to Mrs.
Cheeseman and Old Cheeseman, is young Cheeseman.

So, now I have told you all I know about Old Cheeseman.  And it’s not
much after all, I am afraid.  Is it?
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