As you can read, the children of the story want to rent a carriage to make a trip to town. But why do they want to go to town?
Talk to others about this and look for the answers to these questions if necessary.
As you can read, the children of the story want to rent a carriage to make a trip to town. But why do they want to go to town?
Talk to others about this and look for the answers to these questions if necessary.
Este relato es una adaptación de un cuento de la autora inglesa Edith Nesbit titulado “Golden guineas”, de la colección de cuentos Five Children and It, ilustrado por H. R. Millar y publicada en el Reino Unido en 1902 en la revista “Strand Magazine”.
Este cuento es un ejemplo de cómo hay que ser cauto con lo que se ansía, pues esto puede volverse en tu contra y causarte sustos y desilusión.
Ilustración del cuento original de Nesbit por H. R. Millar.
The English version of this book is a translation from Plaga de Dragones, a story collection which was published by Saturnino Calleja in 1923. This translation was undertaken collaboratively as part of a crowd translation project which took place at the Spanish distance learning university UNED in 2016, involving translation teachers and students. During the translation process, we tried to reach a balance between being faithful to the Spanish text and bringing it into the 21st century for the enjoyment and learning of modern readers. We feel that the stories are still relevant to you these days and trust that you will find the cultural contrast interesting.
The text has been enriched with a number of annotations including audio, term explanations, and various proposals for activities, which are mainly aimed at young non-native English speakers.
Seguro que conoces otros cuentos en los que aparece un genio. Reflexiona sobre ello y piensa, además, si el Genio de este cuento se parece o no a otros genios. Refleja asimismo en una pequeña redacción cuál sería tu genio ideal, qué aspecto tendría y qué deseos te gustaría que cumpliese.
A contagious illness that causes red spots on the skin and high temperature. Children have it more frequently than adults unless they are vaccinated.
Example: Tommy didn’t go to school when he had measles.
The seed of certain plants which are eaten as a vegetable in stews, soups, salads, or as a side dish.
Example: The smell of the bean stew was delicious.
A person who provides care for somebody else’s children as a paid service.
Example: The nanny told the children a story at bedtime.
According to the Christian tradition, the Three Wise Men, Kings or Magi were distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, guided by a star, bearing gifts. They are common figures in Christmas nativity sets, next to the Holy Family and the shepherds.
Example: The names of the Three Wise Men were Melchior, Gaspar and Balthassar.
A chest or piece of furniture for writing with drawers (boxes that slide in and out and are used to hold things). It can have a top that locks with a key and opens upwards.
Example: The old wooden bureau contained old secret documents.
A group of sheep, goats, or birds.
Example: Shepherds take care of their flock.
Why do you think that Rosie and Fabian’s mother doesn’t let them open the two drawers? Try and guess the reason!
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
The creature in the story is a Genie of the sand, who is able to make the children’s wishes come true.
Could you think of other fictional characters who transform people’s wishes into reality?
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
We are sure that you know what a bureau is and what it is for. Can you name up to five things that you would typically find in the drawers of a bureau and five things that you would never ever find there?
The creature in the story is a Genie of the sand, who is able to make the children’s wishes come true.
Could you think of other fictional characters who transform people’s wishes into reality?
Pay attention to this question that the Sandy asks the children. An atypical construction is used, for it is a combination of two more common structures. These things happen sometimes in spoken English:
"If I fill up that hole, will it be enough"-->
IF+PRESENT, WILL
"If I filled up that hole, would it be enough?"-->IF+PAST, WOULD
Now, working in small groups, imagine a dangerous situation that you have to plan carefully, like a fire. This could lead to different ends. For example, "If the firefighters arrive(d) in time, the building would be saved" or "If we ran, we would not be burnt".
Listen to this recording of another story and answer the questions below:
Which story does this fragment belong to? Do you know what's happening in the story you just listened to?
The coins created by the Sandy are invisible to the maid. Could you think of another tale where invisibility plays an important role?
When reading a book, you are often provided with information about the place and time where the action is taking place. These remarks are often rather irrelevant. They just serve the purpose of helping the story sound more plausible and realistic. Do you think that it is important here that the "night was falling when they all appear before the inspector"?
Fairy tales belong to the vast domain of folklore and they take the form of a short story. Typically this kind of tales feature beings such as monsters, ogres, witches, dragons, fairies, dwarves, dragons, elves, gnomes, etc.
Pay attention to this question that the Sandy asks the children. An atypical construction is used, for it is a combination of two more common structures. These things happen sometimes in spoken English:
"If I fill up that hole, will it be enough" --> IF+PRESENT, WILL "If I filled up that hole, would it be enough?" --> IF+PAST, WOULD
Now, working in small groups, imagine a dangerous situation that you have to plan carefully, like a fire. This could lead to different ends. For example, "If the firefighters arrive(d) in time, the building would be saved" or "If we ran, we would not be burnt".
At the beginning of the 20th century, wearing gloves was a sign of high social status. Signals of this kind have been always present in every society. For example, at the beginning of 19th century, wearing a monocle was a sign of high status. Kings' and queens' crowns are a signal of the highest possible status in society that lasts till the present day.
Nowadays, how do you think people try to pretend they have high status and which signals do they use for this purpose?
The children of our story are thinking about how to spend their coins while travelling to town. Can you remember another story where the main character plans on how to spend his/her money?
This old snake seems to be the king of the other snakes. Many kings in fantastic stories must have done great achievements to be worthy of their position. Can you imagine what this old snake has down to deserve the throne?
Write the story of the old snake's past. Include the place and circumstances of its birth, which obstacles and enemies it encountered and defeated, and its path to the throne.
Let's be careful with our prejudices. The snake in your story does not have to be wicked if you don't want to!
Una dádiva es algo que se da gratuitamente, es decir, sin realizar nada a cambio. Los protagonistas de este cuento desean objetos o cualidades a las que llamamos dádivas y que solo duraban hasta que se acababa el día.
Reflexiona por qué las dádivas les producen desasosiego a los niños del cuento, y cómo se habría desarrollado la historia si no hubiese desaparecido el encantamiento al término del día.
El Enarenado es el personaje fantástico que concede deseos en nuestro cuento. En el original, la autora E. Nesbit le denomina con una palabra inventada: ‘Psammead’, haciendo referencia a la palabra ‘arena’ en griego (‘psammos’), ya que esta criatura habita en un arenal.
Utiliza los adjetivos que describen a esta extraña figura en el cuento y plásmalos en un dibujo.
Deleite, en este caso, es sinónimo de placer. Los niños disfrutaban con el sonido que producían las monedas al dejarlas caer.
Uno de los niños indica, apurado, que hay que realizar cosas de provecho, es decir, que les proporcionen algún beneficio o utilidad. Reflexiona si las monedas de oro proporcionan a los niños satisfacción a lo largo del cuento. Además, puedes imaginar qué habrías querido obtener tú con una considerable cantidad de dinero.
Hucha de chapa de 1930.
Cuño es el molde empleado para sellar monedas. En las monedas del cuento se representa un lado con cabeza humana y otro lado con el as de bastos. Revisa las monedas que tenéis en casa o pregunta a tus familiares y comprueba qué imágenes tienen el anverso y reverso de las monedas de euro que utilizamos diariamente cuando tenemos que pagar en algún establecimiento. En la imagen que te ofrecemos hay ejemplos del reverso de algunas monedas de euro.
En las familias pudientes es la persona encargada de las llaves y de la economía de una casa. En el cuento, es Marta el ama de llaves que va a hacer las compras a la ciudad y se lleva al hermano menor de los niños.
Ama de llaves. Autor: Zarza. Grabador: Ortega. En Los españoles pintados por sí mismos. Madrid. Ignacio Boix. 1843. 1a ed. Tomo I.
Es el establecimiento donde los niños compran pasteles.
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Se denomina así a la onza o moneda de oro. Especialmente, cualquiera de las acuñadas con el busto de uno de los reyes de la casa de Borbón, hasta Carlos IV inclusive.
A la moneda española anterior al euro, la peseta, se la llamaba ‘rubia’ por su color dorado. Averigua, consultando Internet, un diccionario o preguntando a tus familiares, por qué se llamaba a la moneda de oro ‘pelucona’.
Vehículo tirado por caballos y que está formado por una estructura de madera o hierro que, a su vez, está montada sobre ruedas. Si es descapotable, se le llama “calesa” o “carretela”.
Aplastar lo que está erguido o lo que es blando o frágil, como el sombrero de Antera en el cuento.
El guante y el sombrero son prendas que están relacionadas con una posición alta en la sociedad, tal como se refleja, asimismo, en el cuento. Reflexiona sobre qué prendas o accesorios de ropa marcan hoy en día distinciones entre los niños.
La Moda Elegante Ilustrada, 1 de diciembre de 1923, p. 360. Madrid.
La expresión se refiere a que, en el cuento, los niños salen de la pastelería confundidos. El pastelero no se fía de la procedencia de la moneda de oro que recibe de los niños y les ordena que se marchen antes de llamar a los guardias.
Ilustración del cuento original de Nesbit por H. R. Millar.
En esta parte de la historia, aparece un amo de caballerizas, que es el encargado de cuidar y administrar un lugar destinado a estancia de caballos y animales de cuadras (es decir, las caballerizas).
Fíjate en que, en el cuento, aparecen otras profesiones. Reflexiona si se siguen practicando en la actualidad o en tu entorno, o si han evolucionado o cambiado, teniendo en cuenta que estamos en una época distinta a la que se escribe la historia. Te damos una pista, en la imagen, de un oficio emblemático de los siglos XIX y XX. ¿Sabes cuál es y en qué consistía?
Felicitación de Navidad de un sereno, 1873 (BNE).
Con esta palabra, en la historia se refieren a que una persona o empleado con autoridad pública avise a alguien o llame su atención, con cierto objetivo o propósito. Roberto, uno de los niños del cuento, es “requerido” por el guardia para que saque las monedas de oro en la comisaría.
¿La carne de membrillo es un dulce tradicional hecho a base de membrillo y azúcar. En el norte de España se suele servir como postre acompañado de queso. El tocino de cielo es un postre hecho con yema de huevo y azúcar y de un color amarillo intenso.
Si no conocías estos postres, pregunta a los mayores de la familia si los han probado y cuáles son sus favoritos. ¿Os animáis a hacerlos juntos?
¿Te lo esperabas? Este Dragón desde el principio era muy casero y parecía que estaba muy a gusto en los sótanos del castillo, tanto que ha perdido su coraza metálica y se ha convertido en un gatito que toma leche y pan. Ahora ya puedes contarle la historia de dónde vienen los gatos a todos cuando tengas la oportunidad. ¡Quizás no sepan que en realidad son familia de los dragones más perezosos!
El sifón es una botella de un litro que muchas veces contenía una especie de gaseosa.
Hablar – o aquí gritar – al unísono quiere decir que todos gritan lo mismo a la vez.
El sacristán es la persona que ayuda al cura, y se encarga de cuidar y limpiar la iglesia.
Se da por sabido que lo que le pide el cura al sacristán es que enganche el caballo al carro para llevar a los niños a casa. Actualmente, uno de los mayores problemas de las grandes ciudades es la cantidad de coches que hay en ellas. ¡Es difícil aparcar y hay grandes atascos! Casi todas las familias ahora tienen un coche para desplazarse pero antiguamente había muy pocos coches y antes aún, no había automóviles, sino coches tirados por caballos. Investiga en Internet y coméntalo con tus abuelos u otras personas mayores ¿Ellos tenían coche? ¿Cómo se desplazaban cuando eran jóvenes?
Intenta conectar los siguientes vehículos con su año de invención, ¡a ver si lo consigues!
Ilustración de sir John Tenniel (1820-1914), para la novela original de Alicia en el País de las Maravillas (1865), de Lewis Carroll.
¿Has soñado alguna vez con volar? ¿Cómo fue la sensación en tu sueño?
Y si no lo has soñado nunca, ¿cómo te lo imaginas?
¡Dibuja tu sueño o el vuelo más alocado y mágico que te imagines!
¿Te parece justo para Eufemia y Enrique el final del cuento? Piensa sobre por qué los adultos no agradecen a los niños su hazaña e imagina un final diferente para el cuento. Puedes poner por escrito ese final aquí.
¿Cómo eran los juguetes de tus padres y abuelos? Pregúntales si tuvieron algunos de estos.
Something that is made, sent out, or published.
Example: The man sold all his old issues of comics from when he was a child.
Anther is negotiating with the old man. Working in small groups, pretend that you are Anther and your partner is the old man. You have to negotiate about hiring the carriage, prices, etc.
Try to use expressions such as "I need...", "Maybe what we can do...", "Perhaps if we...", "I am on a budget", etc.
Once the negotiation is over, write down a contract with the details of the agreement you have both reached. It could be interesting to compare what the best deal is!
Imagine you and your partners are members of the city Council during the plague of dragons in the story. Each one of you must choose a role from the following list and start a discussion:
Rosie and Fabian use a six-sided puzzle to make a castle. Each side contains a beautiful picture. Go to the webpage of a famous museum and select six paintings that you like, each one corresponding to the following famous painters:
A weapon that consists of a knife attached to the front end of a rifle.
Example: Bayonets were used in close fighting long ago.
A heavy sword with one sharp curved edge.
Example: My grandfather has a sabre on the wall from the Mexican war.
This story is about five brothers and sisters. At this point of the story there are only four of them on stage: do you know where the fifth one is?
Now that you have read the story, try to place the following images in the right chronological order:
Nobody could see the gold coins because the night had arrived and the Sandy's magic was over. Luckily, that prevents the children from getting into deep trouble with the legal authorities! Now, imagine that the children still had the coins in their pockets when the policeman asked the children to empty them. Write down how the story would have continued if the coins hadn't disappeared. Would you like to do a short play with the best script?
A pointed metal bar for stirring up a fire.
Example: Our father used the fire poker when the grill was about to extinguish.
A plank; a flat, cut piece of wood.
Example: The child fixed small wheels to the board and then jumped on it.
Alquicel: Es una palabra que viene del árabe y se refiere a un tipo de vestidura a modo de capa, que normalmente era blanca y de lana.
Si quieres conocer qué otras palabras son de origen árabe, utiliza el diccionario e investiga: ¿Son de origen árabe estas palabras: “alcohol”, “almohada”, “aleta”, “alcázar”, “alcaldía”, “alhelí” y “altura”?
A grey metal which is very heavy.
Example: That shield is made of lead to protect the doctor against radiation.
The gathering of ripe crops or plants grown on a farm.
Example: Summer is the time of year when the farmers harvest their wheat.
A story from the Bible which narrates how a woman called Rebecca was chosen to be Isaac’s wife by his father’s servant because she was by a particular well and said and did what he was expecting, which he interpreted to be a sign of God.
Two Spanish captains who raised against French Napoleonic occupation and rule, and fought in a famous and decisive battle which took place in Madrid on May 2nd 1808.
Using the memory.
Example: The child learnt the song by heart for the festival.
A famous Spanish legal dictionary written by lawyer Marcelo Martínez Alcubilla in the 19th century.
A long narrative poem by 14th century Italian author Dante Alighieri. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of world literature.
Thanks to the Sandy, the children of our story obtained a big treasure. In many stories treasures are usually buried by pirates or protected by dragons. Could you remember a story with a hidden treasure?
The children of the story have plenty of money they want to spend before sunset. Do you think they will spend it wisely?
Working in small groups, make a list with the things that children like to spend their money in and another one with the things that they are allowed to buy by their parents or tutors. Are there any points of coincidence in both lists?
Imagine that you entered a bakery with some friends to get something to eat. Think about what you would like to choose but negotiate it with the other members of your group for you would all need to ask for the same thing. You need to find something you all like and fancy!
Also, it would be a good idea to agree if you want something sweet or savory. Also, it should be a snack that you can buy in a bakery or cafeteria (not a three-course meal!). Try to use "appealing or appetizing" adjectives to be as persuasive as possible with your partners. Use expressions like: "Shall we get a refreshing mouth-watering bowl of fruit salad?".
This word is the female form of "shepherd". As you can see, it is the same word but with the sufix "-ess". You can find other examples of this use in words like "countess" and "heiress".
Also, there are other more common ways to refer to professionals who are women. For example, what do you call a woman who is a doctor?
Los escritores utilizan muchos trucos para hacer sus historias interesantes. En este caso, la autora hace que los juguetes y los espacios de juego que construyen los niños cobren vida y se hagan reales dentro de la historia. ¿Conoces otros cuentos en los que ocurra hacen algo parecido?
Aquí tienes un ejemplo muy famoso:
To use up the entire amount of something.
Example: It was such a hot day that we ran out of drinks.
Manuel Rivadeneyra (1805-1872) fue un editor e impresor español que desde 1846 trató de reunir las obras clásicas de la literatura española en una colección que se llamó la Biblioteca de Autores Españoles.
Otro truco para hacer una buena historia es jugar con los narradores y el origen del cuento. Nuestro narrador ha escuchado la historia que acabamos de leer de uno de los personajes del cuento. ¿No es un poco raro? ¿Te fiarías tú de lo que cuente un ratón mecánico?
Inventa una historia con un narrador poco fiable ¡pero divertido!
The children of our story hire a carriage to go to town. This kind of transport was very common until the invention of the train. Once cars were invented, they started substituting horse carriages.
Nowadays, the children would have probably called a taxi to take them to town or maybe a coach or a train.
Make a list of places related to the different types of weather mentioned in this paragraph. For example, you can relate Egypt with the sun and England with the rain. Think of other examples from other continents too.
As you know, the Sandy's wishes only last until the sunset. These temporary wishes are common in fairy tales. One of the most famous ones in which this happens is Cinderella, who was turned into a princess but only until...
What a messy situation! It looks like a bloody battle is about to start in the middle of Rosie and Fabian’s library! Luckily, the monkey and the mouse are sensible and have an idea to put a stop to all this nonsense.
How would the monkey or the mouse persuade them not to fight? Elaborate a small speech of reconciliation as one of them. First, write it down and then rehearse it orally.
All throughout this story there are two scenarios: a real one in Rosie and Fabian’s library and an imaginary one in a medieval city which is about to become a battlefield… which is inside the library! Where are the children right now: still in the battlefield or back in the library?
A long, loose, outer garment without sleeves that is used as a coat, to protect the wearer from the cold.
Example: The wizard had a purple cloak with stars on it.
North African Muslims.
Example: In the Middle Ages the Moors introduced many new scientific techniques to Spain and the rest of Europe.
A plank with wheels underneath. It can be a skateboard, which is a flat, short, narrow board that has four wheels on the bottom and is used for practising a sport.
Example: It is more fun to stand on your skateboard than to sit on it.
A famous Spanish editor who lived in the 19th century, who published many Spanish works and collections with high quality.
Many stories have doors that will be opened only after performing a spell o a specific task. Can you remember any other stories with a magical door?
The children of the story started eating buns before paying for them and without having official money to pay them.
Do you think this was a good behaviour? What should have they done differently?
Later on, you will find out what the children think about their own behaviour.
Listen to the tone that the baker uses in his exclamation. Do you think that his intonation adds content to his words? How is he feeling at this moment?
In the story, people do not trust the coins that the children give them. This is because they are not official coins.
The first usage that we know of coins in a society was in Turkey around 680 and 560 BC. They were created to guarantee the quality of the metal the coin was made of, so nobody could be scammed with fake metals that have no value.
Nowadays, coins are not made of a noble metal and the quality guarantee is provided by the bank who create the coins.
If you have the opportunity, read about the myth of King Midas. This deals with avarice and narrates what happens when true happiness is not recognized. It has an interesting moral lesson!
What do you think has happened here? How can the shepherd have slept for several months?
This is the end of the story. Rosie and Fabian are sick in bed. In their feverish sleep, they have a nightmare about being judged in court for having been disobedient and reckless. Distribute the roles at court among the members of your group:
Try to follow the main norms in a real court situation (respect to the magistrates’ indications, turn taking, etc.) and come out with a sentence.
Don’t forget to finish the role play by waking Rosie and Fabian up at the end!
Brothers and/or sisters.
Example: We are a big family; I have five siblings: 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
To find something in the ground by digging.
Example: We dug up the potatoes from the vegetable garden with grandpa on Sunday.
A spirit with magical powers.
Example: When Aladdin rubbed the lamp, a genie appeared.
To make a wish come true.
Example: The parents tried to fulfil the wishes the boy made for his birthday.
The feeling of being very sad.
Example: The king was filled with sorrow when his favourite dragon died; he cried for days in his room.
A present.
Example: On my birthday, I always receive many gifts.
To continue to exist.
Example: Going on holiday is great, but it never lasts.
Covered in sand.
Example: We prefer going to sandy beaches for holidays.
A tool used to dig.
Example: The gardener used the spade to make a hole in the ground.
To remove dirt or sand; to excavate using a shovel, a spade or claws.
Example: The turtle is digging a small hole in the sand to bury its eggs.
A small round stone.
Example: She likes collecting pebbles on the beach.
A small animal that moves very slowly and has a round shell on its back.
Example: We are walking as slowly as snails. Come on, let's hurry up!
A nocturnal animal with wings.
Example: Bats use sonar to know where they are at night.
To agree to give something to someone.
Example: The teacher granted me permission to go to the bathroom.
To say something very softly so that it is hard to hear.
Example: Don't murmur, speak up and say it clearly!
Bill; paper money.
Example: Euro bank notes have values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
An expression equivalent to: "If it's ok with you".
Example: It is too warm in here; let's open the window, if you don't mind.
Without a doubt; certainly.
Example: She undoubtedly knows what she's talking about.
To disappear.
Example: The wizard said the magic words and the rabbit vanished.
To shine; to reflect the light.
Example: It's beautiful to see the moonlight gleaming on the water.
Start to heat up and burn.
Example: He lit the candle with a match.
The quantity you can carry in one hand.
Example: There was a big bowl of sweets at the reception desk so my sister took a handful.
High ringing, like a little bell.
Example: When you stir your coffee with a spoon, it makes a tinkling sound.
A playing card.
Example: I won the game of cards because I had the ace of clubs.
A magician, a person who practices magic.
Example: Merlin, the wizard, was king Arthur's advisor and tutor.
To reduce the weight you're carrying, or the amount of work you have to do.
Example: There were too many people in the elevator, so one person had to leave to lighten the load.
The person who is hired to do the house chores (tasks).
Example: This morning we picked up all our toys and put them in the toy-box so the housekeeper could clean the floors.
A horse-drawn wheeled vehicle for the transportation of people.
Example: Cinderella went to the ball in a carriage.
To go and get something or someone.
Example: Could you please fetch me my coat? I left it in the wardrobe.
To continue.
Example: The teacher asked the students to remain silent until the end of the film.
A long, usually hard seat for two or more people, often found in public places..
Example: There are many benches in the park.
The penny is the British unit of money which is 1/100 of a pound.
For example: There are 100 pence in a pound.
Extensively, in detail.
Example: When she finished writing the composition, she checked it thoroughly to make sure there were no mistakes.
To pay for the temporary use of something; to rent.
Example: In the summer my aunt usually hires a kayak for us so we can paddle around the lake.
To move or go somewhere.
Example: After dinner, my sister headed to bed.
A building where horses are kept.
Example: Our stable has room for five horses.
A young boy.
Example: When I was a lad, I loved to play outdoors.
To clean or make smooth with a brush.
Example: I brush my hair every morning.
To put the equipment on the horse so you can control it or ride it.
Example: The instructor harnessed the horse before the student rode it.
To ask for information.
Example: I called the restaurant to enquire about their opening time.
A small sweet round cake.
Example: I love having cinnamon buns with milk for breakfast.
An old Spanish gold coin that was used until the middle of the 19th century.
Example: Divers discovered hundreds of doubloons in a sunken Spanish ship at the bottom of the ocean.
A silly or stupid person.
Example: When I forgot to bring my pencil case to school I felt like a fool.
The act of buying.
Example: The shop assistant gave us a receipt for our purchase.
To feel very angry about something.
Example: The workers were up in arms about their low salaries so they planned a strike.
To say no to something; to indicate that you are not willing to do something.
Example: The children refused to say who had broken the window.
The feeling of being frightened.
Example: My dad dressed as a monster for Halloween and gave us all a good scare when he jumped out of the wardrobe.
Pick up.
Example: The box was very heavy and they could not lift it.
Top, cover.
Example: She filled the jar with honey and closed the lid.
A round opening, an empty space.
Example: There's a hole in my pocket, and all my money fell out.
A place (in the ground or in a church) where people are buried when they are dead.
An expression, not to interfere in someone else's matters.
Not to get involved in something that is not yours; to tell someone to respect our privacy.
Example: Keep your nose out of my diary! It's private.
To involve, to have to do with something or someone.
Example: What I write in my diary does not concern you!
Happy, content.
Example: He was pleased with his grades this term.