PARAGRAPH FOR PRECIS

In this world of human affairs, there is no worse nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy, and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with childish lips, he is called a baby, and if he answers in a mature way, he is called impertinent. In fact, any talk from him is resented. Then he is at the unattractive growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers, his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly. It is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood, but it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. The lad himself becomes painfully self-conscious. When he talks with elderly people, he is either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his very existence.

Yet, it is at this very age when, in his heart of hearts, a young lad most craves for recognition and love; and he becomes the devoted slave of anyone who shows him consideration. But none dare openly love him, for that would be regarded as undue indulgence and therefore, bad for the boy. So, what with scolding and chiding, he becomes very much like a stray dog that has lost his master.

For a boy of fourteen, his own home is the only paradise. To live in a strange house with strange people is a little short of torture; while the height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women and never to be slighted by them. -Rabindranath Tagore.

(285 words)

Give a precis of the above passage in your own words. Suggest a suitable heading and its theme also.

SOLVED PRECIS 

Title:- A Boy at the Age of Fourteen

A boy at the age of fourteen is really a very unenviable person. He is despised and insulted by his elders who sometimes confuse him with a child and sometimes with a grown-up. He is called by different names. At this age, he begins to grow quickly, which lands him in various strange and awkward situations. He longs for love and feels infinitely grateful to anyone who welcomes him. It is his cherished desire to be loved and respected by the members of the fair sex.

(87 words)

Theme:

A boy at the age of fourteen grows rapidly and his rapid growth proves to be a misfortune because he is mistaken for either a child or a grown-up.