R.K.NARAYAN (1906 – 2001) Famous Indian writer in English. Born in Chennai . Created the fictional town Malgudi . Won Padma Bhushan in 1964. Works The English Teacher Swami and Friends The Guide
father’s help Father’s help is an extract from R.K.Narayan’s famous novel Malgudi Days. In the novel Narayan portrays the life of a small boy called Swami who is mischievous but at the same time lovable. This story portrays a day in the life of Swami. One Monday morning Swami wakes up with a shudder because he didn’t want to go to school. He is also 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 Mathematics teacher Mr.Samuel punishes the boys. He even add some lie to it. His father sends a letter to Swami’s headmaster complaining about Samuel’s cruel attitude. Swami resists it, but it is of no use. Swami understands that he is in trouble because all he wanted was not to go to school. He repents on what he did. Swami is sent to school, but to his luck his Headmaster was absent. So Swami brings back the letter. His father scolds him of being a coward and tears the letter. He also warns Swami not to go crying to him, if Samuel again beats him.
TWIST The act of turning something. It also means deform or distort.
vIOLENT It means something that is uncontrollable or brutal. It also means fierce .
discourse construction Imagine that you are at boarding school and you have scored highest marks in your class. Write a letter to your father telling about your achievement.
scaffolding questions What reply does Swami give when his father asks him the reason for not going to school? Ans : Swami says that he has headache. What does father say to Swami, when he mentions about headache? Ans : Swami’s father asks him to loaf about less on Sundays . What is the name of Swami’s Mathematics teacher? Ans : The name of Swami’s Mathematics teacher is Samuel. What does Swami say about Samuel to his father? Ans : Swami says that Samuel punishes the boys badly.
follow up activity You are not well and don’t want to go to school. Write down a conversation between you and your father.