Question

The narrator asks the boys, "Must you work so hard? You both look rather tired." The boys reply, "We are not complaining, sir." What do you learn about the boys from their reply?

Answer 1

It shows that they have determination and courage to face the difficulties of life, and also they did not want others to sympathise with them.

Answer 2

Two Gentlemen of Verona:

The author observed the way of working by the two boys. They sold strawberries, hawked newspapers, polished shoes and worked day and night. On seeing their tiresome work, the author asked the boys why they wanted to work so hard.

The boys replied that they are not complaining which means that the boys are willing to work and they have energy in them to work day and night. They didn’t like to have sympathy from anyone. So they replied that they are not complaining.