The Balek Scales
"The Baleks owe me eighteen marks and thirty-two pfennigs."(898): the discovery of a young boy who changes the entire perspective of a town living and working in the shadow of a rich and powerful family, the Baleks von Bilgan. In The Balek Scales, by Heinrich Boll, a young boy unravels his town's dark secret. The Baleks von Bilgan, the aristocratic family that is the pulse of the village, have a scale rigged to pay families less than they deserve for their gathered good brought in from the woods by the children. In this short-story, the author uses tone to show how the character goes through three significant steps of emotion, from playfulness, to sadness, to anger. This story paints a picture of children running off into the woods to gather mushrooms and flowers. In that image, one can't help but think of playfulness. It also describes the village as simple and cheerful. Using the quote, "A race of cheerful people who ate goat cheese, potatoes, and
The main character heads home after expressing his sadness. When he gets there he tells people about his discovery and converts into a more angry tone. The boy is ready for his revenge on the Baleks and he wants everyone to know they are being cheated. "He thought of (his friends and family) who had gathered so many mushrooms and flowers and herbs for the Baleks, and this time he did not cry but told his parents and brothers and sisters of his discovery."(899). Soon, the Baleks are confronted in church on New Year's Day. The entire congregation is silent and pale, and the Baleks notice the odd looks all around them. When the boy tells everyone how much the Baleks owe him, they family is forced into shame and everyone expresses anger at them. The town goes into rebellion and many people are killed, but it the end justice is served. now and then a rabbit"(894), implies the type of people they are. The playfulness of the children in the story creates a
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Approximate Word count = 644
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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