The Blanket Summary in English by Floyd Dell

The Blanket Summary in English

Introductory paragraph: 

"In the short story 'The Blanket" by Floyd Dell   tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Peter and his granddad. When Peter's dad decides to send his granddad away to a government house for old people, Peter comes up with a unique solution for his granddad's going-away gift - a fine double blanket. Follow Peter on a journey of discovery as he learns the true value of family and cherished possessions."

Short Summary of The Blanket 

Peter was a young boy of eleven. His Dad was going to marry another pretty girl. After his marriage, Dad was going to send his father (Peter’s Granddad) away to the government house for old people. Dad had brought a fine double blanket for Granddad as a going-away gift. 

Granddad was very fond of playing the harmonica. Peter went into the house and brought the harmonica for him. Granddad played a few notes on it. Meanwhile Dad and the pretty girl, with whom he was going to marry, came there. 

They both went to Granddad in order to say him good-bye as he was going to leave the house in the morning. Granddad picked up the blanket from the floor and showed it to the girl. 

The girl liked it saying that it was very pretty. She told Dad that the blanket was a very expensive one. She further told him that Granddad did not need such an expensive and double blanket. 

Peter, who had already left them, came back with a pair of scissors in his hand. He asked his Dad to cut the blanket into two. Dad and the girl were greatly surprised at this. They did not know what Peter meant. 

Peter explained that half of the blanket was enough for Granddad while the other half should be kept safe for future use. He further explained that he would give it to his Dad when he would send him away on becoming old like Granddad. 

The blanket by Floyd Dell questions and answers

Who is giving the blanket as a gift to whom? Why is the blanket called a going-away gift? 

Dad is giving the blanket as a gift to Granddad. Dad is going to send Granddad away to the government house for old people. He will take the blanket with him to the government house where he has to live for the rest of his life. 

Why do all three --Peter, Dad and Granddad ---cry at the end of the story? 

Peter, Dad and Granddad cry at the end of the story because they become emotional when Dad realizes his foolish mistake and decides not to send his father away. The Granddad lays his hand very kindly on his son’s shoulders. He does so in a fatherly manner and tells him that actually his son does  not mean to send him away.

Character sketch of Peter in the blanket

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What sort of child is Peter? What attitude does he display towards his Granddad and his father? 

Peter is a sensible boy in spite of being young and immature. He displays an attitude of respect and of great regard towards his Granddad and Dad. He cannot bear Granddad’s separation. He is against his father’s decision of sending Granddad away to the government house for old people. It is the result of Peter’s wisdom that Dad changes his decision and does not send Granddad away to the government house. 

What sort of person is Granddad? What attitude does he display towards the entire situation? 

Granddad is a seasoned person. He is a cool minded fellow. Dad intends to send him away to the government house for old people but he does not show any sort of resentment even through his facial expression. He displays an attitude of courage and fortitude towards the entire situation. 

What sort of person is Peter's father? Is he a goodhearted person or not? 

Peter’s father is a selfish person. He wants to marry a young beautiful girl. For this purpose he decides to send Granddad away to the government house for old people. He changes his decision only when he realizes the fact that his son would also send him away when he is old. 

What lesson about human relationship do you learn from this short story ? 

The lesson that we learn from this short story is that we must respect and facilitate our elders in their old age. They should not be sent away from the houses where they had spent most of their lives. 

Conclusion : 

"In 'The Blanket,' by Floyd Dell  explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and family. Through the character of Peter, readers see the power of sentimentality and the importance of holding onto cherished possessions. As the story concludes, readers are left with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the special moments we share with our loved ones."

The blanket short story pdf download 

Here you can download a pdf of the blanket summary for Class 11 students.

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