The document provides an analysis of the short story "The Pieces of Silver" by Karl Sealy. It discusses the main themes of family relationships, poverty & hardship, and unfairness. It analyzes the acting head's motivation for coercing students to collect silver coins as a gift for him, which was to demonstrate his power and influence over the impoverished community as well as secure his position as head of the school. While verbal thanks should suffice, the acting head sees the gift as a way to gain pride and respect, though it is more for his own benefit than those receiving it. Ultimately, the story presents an ironic twist where a student named Clement becomes the school hero.

1. The Pieces of Silver By Karl Sealy

2. Main Themes Family Relationships Poverty & Hardship Unfairness Wealth

3. Key Terms Look for the Key terms in ‘The Pieces of Silver’ The place and time a particular part of the story is set. Setting Conversation or discussion dialogue Describing attributes and qualities from a characters action, speech or appearance . Characterisation Making a Comparison in order to show differences. Contrast When an aspect of a situation is odd or amusing because it is the opposite to what was expected Irony A question that does not require an answer Rhetorical Question

4. Silver coins was the classic payment of betrayal and symbolic of money received by ill gotten gains. Consider the role of Judas in the Christian story paid for betraying Jesus with silver coins. The key issue here is why did the acting head do it? The collection was for him - not to spend, that is not important it was to say that he had got it together and he had made it happen. It is a symbol of his power to be able to make the school produce this money and in a poverty stricken area the power to make money would be highly regarded. As an acting head it made a good impression and made him seem as if he was the best person to take charge. To say thanks verbally to someone is usually enough. The verbal communication - thanks is what we like and get a sense of pride from. The idea that, that is not enough and that you must present a gift is appalling. Gifts are great but do not necessarily mean the thanks are any greater. Giving the gift is more for the person giving than the person receiving. The acting head is not really the head, he has to rely totally on his position in the school to keep control and keep respect. The position and not the man is respected and feared. He bullies the students and treats them with contempt and that this extremely unfair Clement becomes the school hero, with an ironic twist in the story. An Overview Year 11 Group Analysis