Jane Dahl’s Short Story, ‘The Heart of a Burglar’

Despite a life of crime, a burglar shows his true heart to a mother who returns the favor.

“The Robber and His Child,” 1832, by Karl Lessing. Philadelphia Museum of Art. A burglar shows his true heart, in "The Heart of a Burglar." Public Domain

How often is the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” touted? And how many times are people discounted or pushed aside by prejudiced opinions and bad moods? Appearances don’t always tell a person’s true story.

In her short story “The Heart of a Burglar,” Jane Dahl follows a burglar who breaks into a house but discovers a dire situation. Through the burglar, Dahl emphasizes that a person’s appearance or even his actions don’t always reflect the quality of his heart.

A Break-In

It is midnight when the burglar sneaks in through the window of the house. He places all of his tools inside and waits, making sure that the house is still. Immediately he sets to work, scouting for valuable objects with his flashlight.