NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English Supplementary Reader Chapter 6: I Want Something in a Cage

The story "I want something in a cage" revolves around Mr Purcell, who ran a shop of pets. Mr Purcell considered himself a professional as he had all kinds of pets. There was always some or the other noise in the shop created by different animals' sounds in the shop. It felt like a flicker of life everywhere. The life in cages in the shop did not even trouble Mr Purcell's customers. He fed and had great concern for the birds and animals. He dealt in the fish food and seeds for birds. He wore large glasses, which made his eyes look huge. His looks made him look like a wise owl.

The noise made by the pets didn't trouble Mr Purcell as it was like a ticking sound in a clock. The noise of birds and pets didn't even trouble the customers. Once a man visited the shop to buy an animal that could give him a taste of freedom. So, he decided to buy a pair of doves. When he entered the shop, he found the depressing vibes in the shop. He thought of freeing some animals, and he had spent a lot of money on that which he had earned by working in prison.

He bought the pair of doves, and both had a conversation on how to care for and feed the doves. But the man was not interested in that. He ignored it and came out of the shop. This is because he wanted to let the birds free to fly high in the sky. Then he let the doves free in the sky. Mr Purcell saw this act, and he felt vaguely insulted.