R.K. Narayan is a famous Indian writer who wrote in English. One of his most well-known works is the novel Malgudi Days, which portrays the life of a mischievous boy named Swami. On a Monday, Swami tries to get out of going to school by telling his father he has a headache. When Swami describes how cruel his math teacher Mr. Samuel is with punishment, his father decides to send a letter of complaint to the headmaster. Swami regrets telling his father after realizing he will get in trouble. In the end, his father scolds him for being cowardly and tears up the complaint letter.

1. FATHER’S HELP
R.K.Narayan
(Standard X)
Sai Vani V.R.
English Option

2. 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

3. Fathers 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.

4. JUTKA
A two wheeled horse-drawn carriage

5. SCOWL
To look at somebody in an angry or annoyed
way.

6. SHUDDER
To shiver because you are frightened.

7.  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.

8. 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.

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