Short Stories » The Proud Boy

The Proud Boy

THERE was once a very proud boy. He always walked through the village with his eyes turned down and his hands in his pockets. The boys used to stare at him, and say nothing; and when he was out of sight, they breathed freely. So the proud boy was lonely, and would have had no friends out of doors if it had not been for two stray dogs, the green trees, and a flock of geese upon the common.

One day, just by the weaver's cottage, he met the tailor's son. Now the tailor's son made more noise than any other boy in the village, and when he had done anything wrong he stuck to it, and said he didn't care; so the neighbours thought that he was very brave, and would do wonders when he came to be a man, and some of them hoped he would be a great traveller, and stay long in distant lands. When the tailor's son saw the proud boy he danced in front of him, and made faces, and provoked him sorely, until, at last, the proud boy turned round and suddenly boxed the ears of the tailor's son, and threw his hat into the road. The tailor's son was surprised, and, without waiting to pick up his hat, ran away, and sitting down in the carpenter's yard, cried bitterly. After a few minutes, the proud boy came to him and returned him his hat, saying politely.

"There is no dust on it ; you deserved to have your ears boxed, but I am sorry I was so rude as to throw your hat on to the road."

"I thought you were proud," said the tailor's son, astonished; "I didn't think you'd say that I wouldn't."

"Perhaps you are not proud?”

"No, I am not."

"Ah, that makes a difference," said the proud boy, still more politely. "When you are proud, and have done a foolish thing, you make a point of owning it."

“But it takes a lot of courage," said the tailor's son.

"Oh, dear, no," answered the proud boy; "it only takes a lot of cowardice not to;” and then turning his eyes down again, he softly walked away.

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Proud Boy - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

It's important to be kind and humble rather than letting pride get in the way of making friends and being happy.

Proud Boy - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

It's important to be kind and humble because having respect for others helps you earn respect in return.

Proud Boy - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Even if you think you're the best at something, it's important to stay humble and recognize that others have valuable skills and talents too.

3 Fun Facts

• The boy was so proud of knowing all the alphabet letters that he wasn't willing to learn anything new.
• When his pet got sick, Alphabet the dog was only helped when the boy learned more than just the alphabet.
• By overcoming his pride and learning new things, the boy was able to save his pet and make new friends.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did Peter want to become because he thought it was the greatest career in the world?
• Why did Peter's friends leave him alone when he started bragging about himself?
• What did Peter learn at the end of the story about being proud and humble?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did Tom find at the beach one morning that made him feel very proud?
• How did Tom's friends and family react when he shared his special discovery with them?
• What lesson did Tom learn at the end of the story about feeling proud?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What was the main reason that the boy in the story felt proud and often boasted to others?
• Describe the change in the boy's behavior by the end of the story. What led to this change?
• How did the boy's classmates react to his attitude, and what impact did it have on his friendships?