Arthur’s Prayers
On his first night in a school dorm, Arthur dared not do anything without seeking approval — with one exception.
set in the 1830s
King William IV 1830-1837 to Queen Victoria 1837-1901
On his first night in a school dorm, Arthur dared not do anything without seeking approval — with one exception.
set in the 1830s
King William IV 1830-1837 to Queen Victoria 1837-1901
Dr Thomas Arnold, the (real life) headmaster of Rugby School, has decided that it would settle Tom Brown down to be given some responsibility; so he has asked Tom to take a rather delicate new boy, thirteen-year-old Arthur, under his wing. Tom is called to action from Arthur’s first night in the dormitory.
The idea, of sleeping in the room with strange boys had clearly never crossed his [Arthur’s] mind before, and was as painful as it was strange to him. He could hardly bear to take his jacket off; however, presently, with an effort, off it came, and then he paused and looked at Tom, who was sitting at the bottom of his bed, talking and laughing.
“Please, Brown,” he whispered, “may I wash my hands?”
“Of course, if you like,” said Tom, staring; “that’s your wash stand under the window. You’ll have to go down for more water in the morning if you use it all.” And on he went with his talk, while Arthur stole timidly from between the beds out to his washstand and began his ablutions, thereby drawing for a moment on himself the attention of the room.
On went the talk and laughter. Arthur finished his washing and undressing, and put on his nightgown. He then looked round more nervously than ever. Two or three of the little boys were already in bed, sitting up with their chins on their knees. The light burned clear, the noise went on.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why was Arthur uncomfortable in the school dormitory?
Sharing a strange bedroom made him nervous.
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Arthur had to sleep in a dormitory. He had never done it before. Tom told him what to do.
See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.
IBed. IIExperience. IIIGuide.