Question

Appearances are deceptive. Explain with the reference of 2 boys

Answer 1

Nicola and Jacopo, the 2 young brothers, were in a situation in which they couldn't take care of their dress and appearance. When they met the narrator(of the story) for the first time, they were poorly dressed and unclean.  Despite their shabbiness and poor appearance, their was something special about them. Their acceptance was deceptive. Behind their looks hid their qualities such as sacrifice, devotion, love, confidence, faith and hard-work. they faced all the challenges thrown up by by adversity. These qualities were reflected in their eyes.

Hence the narrator and his companion found the boys interesting and strangely fascinating. From this we can conclude that "Appearances are deceptive". Their simplicity reflected values of courage and strength that helps get over the most challenging hardships of life.  

Answer 2

At the surface level, the boys appear to be friendly, fun-loving and childish but gradually the author discovers that they were mature enough to keep their private griefs safe. Moreover, they never showed their suffering in any way. Behind their smiles, there was a hint of sadness that could be seen once in a while.Appearance are deceptive. Nicola and jacopo both were 2 little boys shabbily dressed. The very first time when the author meet them, they were selling wild strawberries.But after that they shined shoes, sold fruits, hawked newspapers, conducted tourists round the town and ran errands for the author. No one would expect such a hard work from 2 little boys of their age. They always wore shabby clothes and looking at the amount of earning they could have taken a much better meal and clothes. No doubt, they make payments for the hospital bills to their sister. So they never spend anything on themselves.

Hope it helps..