Summary of “Father’s Help”

About the author (RK Narayan)

RK Narayan is a prominent Indian writer known for his early works in English literature, including “Malgudi Days” and “The Guide.” He was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in 1958 for “The Guide.” The story “Malgudi Days” focuses on a young boy named Swaminathan who initially does not want to attend school, but his father forces him to do so. Through a series of events, Swami’s opinions about his teacher, Samuel, change significantly.

(70 Words)

Introduction of the story (Father’s Help)

In the story “Father’s Help” by R.K. Narayan, a young boy named Swaminathan tries to avoid going to school, but his father forces him to go. Swami is unhappy with his strict teacher Samuel, and his father decides to write a letter to the headmaster about him. Swami is left feeling guilty and conflicted about his negative feelings towards Samuel.

(50 Words)

Summary of the story Unitwise

Unit 1: Swami, lying in bed on Monday morning, wishes he didn’t have to go to school. He pretends to have a headache, and his mother suggests he stay home. However, his strict father insists that he goes to school. Swami tries to avoid going by saying it’s too late to attend class and that his teacher, Samuel, is very strict and angry, especially with latecomers. Despite his excuses, Swami’s father remains firm, telling him to go to school anyway.

(80 words)

Unit 2: Swami hopes his father will let him stay home, but instead, his father writes a letter for Swami to give to the headmaster, complaining about Samuel. Swami feels guilty as he goes to school, worried that he might have exaggerated about Samuel. He recalls how Samuel has been friendly and kind to him in the past. This makes Swami feel even more confused and sad, unsure if Samuel truly deserves the complaints written in the letter by his father.

(80 words)

Unit 3: Swami decides to give the letter to the headmaster at the end of the day, hoping Samuel might do something to justify the complaints. However, Samuel is surprisingly kind and gentle during class, which makes Swami feel worse. When Swami finally goes to deliver the letter, he finds out the headmaster is on leave. He returns home with the letter, and his father, realizing Swami didn’t deliver it, tears it up. Father warns Swami not to ask for help again if Samuel scolds him.

(80 words)

Summary of the story (Father’s Help) 

In the story, Swami fears going to school on Monday and pretends to have a headache, but his strict father insists he go. Swami tries to avoid school by telling his father that his teacher, Samuel, is very strict and angry with latecomers. Instead of letting him stay home, Swami’s father writes a letter to the headmaster, complaining about Samuel. Swami feels guilty and confused because Samuel has always been kind to him. At school, Swami hopes Samuel will justify the complaints, but Samuel is unusually gentle. Swami tries to deliver the letter but finds the headmaster is on leave. When he returns home with the letter, his father tears it up, warning Swami not to ask for help if Samuel scolds him again. Swami is left feeling sad and confused, realizing that Samuel isn’t as bad as he had made him out to be.

(150 Words)

Characters of the story (Father’s Help)

1. Swami (Swaminathan): Swami is a schoolboy who tries to avoid going to school by pretending to have a headache. He tells lies about his teacher Samuel being very strict. Later, he feels guilty because Samuel is actually kind to him. Swami learns that lying can cause problems and regret.
2. Mother: Swami’s mother is gentle and caring. When Swami says he has a headache, she suggests that he can stay at home and rest. She is more understanding and lenient compared to Swami’s father. Mother shows love and sympathy towards Swami’s feelings. She plays a minor role in the story.
3. Father: Swami’s father is a strict and disciplined man. He wants Swami to attend school regularly and not make excuses. When Swami complains about Samuel, Father writes a letter to the headmaster to report the teacher. He believes in doing the right thing and enforcing rules.
4. Samuel: Samuel is Swami’s teacher whom Swami describes as angry and strict. However, in reality, Samuel is kind and gentle towards his students. He treats Swami nicely, even when Swami comes late or doesn’t do his homework. Samuel’s true nature makes Swami feel sorry for lying about him.
5. Headmaster: The headmaster is mentioned briefly, as Swami contemplates delivering the letter to him, but Swami later discovers that the headmaster is on leave.

Theme of the story (Father’s Help)

The theme of the story is about the consequences of dishonesty and guilt. Swami’s attempt to avoid school by lying leads to feelings of regret and confusion, especially when he realizes that his teacher, Samuel, is not as bad as he made him out to be. The story highlights the importance of truthfulness.

(50 Words)

Word Nest (Father’s Help)