FATHER’S HELP R.K.Narayan

(Standard X)

Sai Vani V.R.English Option

R.K.NARAYAN (1906-2001)He is a well-known Indian writer in English. He was born in Chennai and most of his works are set in the fictional town of Malgudi. He won numerous awards including the Sahithya Academy Award, Padma Bhooshan etc.

Major works• Swami and Friends• Malgudi Days• The Guide• The English Teacher

FATHER’S HELPFathers help is an extract from R.K.Narayan’s famous novel Malgudi Days. In this novel Narayan portrays the life of a small boy named Swami who is mischievous but at the same time lovable.

One Monday morning Swami wakes up with a shudder because he didn’t want to go to school. He is so scared of his Mathematics teacher. He complains of a headache to his father. His father is adamant and so he asks Swami to go to school no matter what happens. On this, Swami narrates to his father about the way his teacher ,Mr. Samuel punishes the boys. By hearing this Swami’s father sends a letter to the head master complaining about Samuel’s cruel attitude. Swami resists it, but it is of no use. Swami understands that he is in trouble. He repents on what he did. Swami is sent to school, but to his luck his luck his headmaster was absent. So he brings back the letter His father scolds him of being a coward and tears the letter.

JUTKA

A two wheeled horse-drawn carriage

SCOWL

To look at somebody in an angry or annoyed way.

SHUDDER

To shiver because you are frightened.

SCAFFOLDING QUESTIONS What was Swami’s lame excuse?

Swami said that he had a severe head ache. What is the name of Swami’s Mathematics teacher?

The name of Swami’s Mathematics teacher is Samuel.

Describe the appearance of Samuel, Swami’s Mathematics teacher.

Samuel is a dark faced man. He has small red-streaked eyes and a thin line of moustache. He used to wear an yellow coat.

DISCOURSE ACTIVITY

Imagine that you are Swami. Write a conversation between you and your father mentioning that you are suffering from headache and does not wish to go to school on Monday.

FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Write a paragraph about your feelings and thoughts when you are getting ready for school on Monday morning.