Summary of “Father’s Help”

About the author

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

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

In the story, Swami is dreading going to school on Monday and fakes a headache to stay home. His father insists on sending him to school and even writes a letter to the headmaster complaining about a teacher named Samuel. Swami is conflicted about Samuel, thinking he might not be as bad as he initially believed. He contemplates delivering the letter to the headmaster but changes his mind. At school, Samuel surprises Swami by not scolding him and praising his father. Swami feels guilty and considers Samuel a good teacher. When he attempts to deliver the letter to the headmaster, he discovers that the headmaster is on leave, and he runs away. Back home, his father tears up the letter and scolds Swami, saying he deserves Samuel’s discipline.

Swami’s internal struggle with his perception of Samuel and the consequences of his actions is the central theme of the story.

(150 Words)

The character of the story

Swami (Swaminathan): Swami is the central character in the story. He’s a young boy who dreads going to school on a Monday. He tries to fake a headache to avoid school but ends up in a moral dilemma. He is torn between his initial negative perception of his teacher, Samuel, and a growing understanding that Samuel may not be as bad as he thought.

Mother: Swami’s mother is sympathetic to his headache and suggests he stay home. She plays a minor role in the story.

Father: Swami’s father is strict and insists on sending him to school. He decides to write a letter to the headmaster to complain about Samuel, which creates a moral conflict for Swami.

Samuel: Samuel is Swami’s teacher, and Swami initially believes he is a strict and angry man. However, as the story progresses, Swami begins to see a more compassionate side to Samuel, creating inner turmoil for the young boy.

Headmaster: The headmaster is mentioned briefly, as Swami contemplates delivering the letter to him, but Swami later discovers that the headmaster is on leave.

The theme of the story

The theme of “Father’s Help” is the transformation of perception and the power of self-reflection. The story shows how Swami’s initial negative perception of his teacher, Samuel, is challenged through a series of events and self-reflection, ultimately leading to a more nuanced understanding of the situation and a change in his attitude towards Samuel.

(50 Words)