Chapter 6, "I Want Something in a Cage," from the Class 7 NCERT English textbook, "Alien Hand": 

Summary:

"I Want Something in a Cage" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of human desires, freedom, and empathy. The narrative follows the experiences of a young boy named Hari and his interactions with a bird-seller in a market.

The story begins with Hari's fascination with birds. He often visits the market and admires the colorful and exotic birds kept in cages. One day, he approaches a bird-seller and expresses his desire to buy a bird in a cage. The bird-seller, initially reluctant, eventually agrees to sell Hari a small green parrot.

Hari is overjoyed with his purchase and proudly shows the parrot to his friends. However, he soon notices the parrot's melancholic demeanor. The bird appears sad and withdrawn, its vibrant colors muted in captivity. Hari's initial excitement turns into concern for the bird's well-being.

As Hari spends time observing the parrot, he begins to question the ethics of keeping a living creature confined. He realizes that the parrot's natural habitat is the sky, not the confines of a cage. Hari's empathy grows as he imagines the parrot's longing for freedom and the skies it once soared through.

Hari decides to set the parrot free. He opens the cage, and after a brief moment of hesitation, the parrot takes flight. Hari watches in awe as the parrot regains its vibrant colors and gracefully soars into the open sky. The act of releasing the parrot fills Hari with a sense of contentment and liberation.

The story closes with Hari feeling a connection to the parrot's newfound freedom. He reflects on the significance of letting go and allowing living beings to live according to their natural instincts. Hari's experience serves as a powerful lesson about compassion, empathy, and the importance of respecting the autonomy of all living creatures.

Themes:

Desire and Empathy: The story delves into the themes of desire and empathy, illustrating how Hari's initial desire for a caged bird transforms into a deep understanding of the bird's need for freedom and happiness.

Freedom and Confinement: The contrast between the parrot's captivity and its eventual liberation explores the theme of freedom and the ethical implications of confining animals.

Connection with Nature: The story highlights the connection between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of allowing living beings to exist in their natural environments.

"I Want Something in a Cage" prompts readers to contemplate the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity and the importance of empathy in understanding the needs of other creatures. The story encourages reflection on our responsibilities towards the well-being of all living beings and the significance of allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats.