Question:
A few years ago, a well-to-do man appointed an officer to look after the prisoners who worked in his fields. The officer was a man of good sense and sympathetic nature. He tried his best to manage the men by better means than fear. He gave them better food and paid them more for extra work. When a prisoner stole something, the officer called all the prisoners together and said, “There is a thief amongst you. Find him out yourselves and punish him as you like. I do not wish to punish him myself.” The prisoners realized that the officer was so good to them, he wanted that they should reform themselves. So they found out the thief and punished him. In this way, the prisoners gave up their evil habits and they became good citizens.
d) How did his goodness influence the prisoners?
A few years ago, a well-to-do man appointed an officer to look after the prisoners who worked in his fields. The officer was a man of good sense and sympathetic nature. He tried his best to manage the men by better means than fear. He gave them better food and paid them more for extra work. When a prisoner stole something, the officer called all the prisoners together and said, “There is a thief amongst you. Find him out yourselves and punish him as you like. I do not wish to punish him myself.” The prisoners realized that the officer was so good to them, he wanted that they should reform themselves. So they found out the thief and punished him. In this way, the prisoners gave up their evil habits and they became good citizens.
d) How did his goodness influence the prisoners?
d) How did his goodness influence the prisoners?
Updated On: Sep 24, 2026
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Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the effect of the officer's kindness on the prisoners' behaviour.
Step 2: Locating the Answer:
Realising his goodness, they found out and punished the thief themselves, gave up their evil habits, and became good citizens.
Final Answer:
His goodness made the prisoners realise he wanted them to reform themselves; as a result, they found and punished the thief, gave up their evil habits, and became good citizens.
The question asks about the effect of the officer's kindness on the prisoners' behaviour.
Step 2: Locating the Answer:
Realising his goodness, they found out and punished the thief themselves, gave up their evil habits, and became good citizens.
Final Answer:
His goodness made the prisoners realise he wanted them to reform themselves; as a result, they found and punished the thief, gave up their evil habits, and became good citizens.
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