SET 02
1. MCQ / OBJECTIVE (1 MARK)
(a) Who wrote Father’s Help?
Answer: R. K. Narayan
(b) Where was Swami when the school prayer bell rang?
Answer: At home, pretending to be ill.
(c) To whom did Swami’s father address the letter?
Answer: The Headmaster.
(d) What troubled Swami on his way to school?
Answer: Fear of punishment by Samuel.
(e) How did Swami describe Samuel?
Answer: As a cruel and strict teacher.
2. VERY SHORT ANSWER (2 MARKS)
(a) What did Swami hope after the letter was written?
Answer: Swami hoped that he would not have to go to school and would escape punishment.
(b) What was written in the letter?
Answer: The letter complained about Samuel’s cruelty towards students.
(c) Why did Swami stop on the roadside?
Answer: He stopped because he was afraid and unsure whether to deliver the letter.
(d) What kind of man did Swami say Samuel was?
Answer: Swami said Samuel was harsh, cruel, and fond of beating students.
(e) Why couldn’t Swami give the letter to the Headmaster?
Answer: Because he arrived late and the class had already begun.
3. SHORT ANSWER (3–5 MARKS)
(a) What were Swami’s feelings on Monday morning?
Answer (40–50 words):
Swami felt unhappy and frightened on Monday morning. The thought of school filled him with fear because he had not done his homework. He pretended to be ill to avoid going to school.
(b) How did Swami’s conscience trouble him?
Answer:
Swami felt guilty because he had lied about Samuel and his illness. His fear and guilt made him restless and confused while going to school.
(c) How did Samuel behave when Swami arrived late?
Answer:
Samuel did not punish Swami. Instead, he spoke kindly and asked him to take his seat, which surprised Swami.
(d) What change came in Swami’s plan?
Answer:
Swami wanted to stay at home, but his father ordered him to go to school and hand over the letter himself.
(e) Why did Swami think he was “the worst boy”?
Answer:
Swami thought so because he had lied about his teacher and feared the consequences of his dishonesty.
4. LONG ANSWER (5 MARKS)
(a) Describe Swami’s mental conflict on the way to school.
Answer (100–120 words):
Swami was deeply troubled on his way to school. He was afraid that Samuel would punish him after reading the letter. At the same time, his conscience troubled him for telling lies about his teacher. He stopped several times on the road, unsure whether to go back home or continue. His imagination increased his fear, making him restless and anxious. Swami’s mental conflict reflects a child’s fear and guilt when faced with the truth. Finally, he gathered courage and went to school, where his fear proved unnecessary.
(b) How did Swami’s father help him indirectly?
Answer:
Swami’s father helped him by teaching him responsibility and courage. Instead of keeping him at home, he made Swami face the situation. By asking him to deliver the letter himself, the father tested the truth of Swami’s complaint. This decision helped Swami overcome his fear and learn an important lesson about honesty. Thus, the father’s strict action became a true form of help.
(c) Analyse the character of Samuel.
Answer:
Samuel appears strict but not cruel. Swami’s description of him is exaggerated. In reality, Samuel behaves calmly and kindly. He does not punish Swami and treats him normally. Samuel represents discipline without cruelty and highlights the difference between fear and reality.
(d) How did imagination influence Swami’s actions?
Answer:
Swami’s imagination made him believe that Samuel was extremely cruel. This fear led him to lie about his illness and his teacher. His imaginary fears caused mental stress. When he finally faced Samuel, he realized that his fear was baseless.
(e) What lesson does Swami learn?
Answer:
Swami learns that fear should be faced, not avoided. He understands that lies create unnecessary trouble and that courage brings relief.
5. THEME-BASED / HOTS QUESTIONS (5 MARKS)
(a) Fear and Courage in Father’s Help
Answer:
The story shows how fear can control a child’s mind. Swami’s fear of punishment makes him dishonest and anxious. However, when he faces reality, his fear disappears. The story teaches that courage is the solution to fear.
(b) “Truth brings relief, lies bring confusion.”
Answer:
Swami’s lies cause fear and guilt, while the truth brings peace. When he faces Samuel, he feels relieved. The story proves that honesty is better than avoidance.
(c) Role of parents in shaping children
Answer:
Swami’s father does not blindly support him. His firm decision teaches Swami responsibility, honesty, and courage. He plays a vital role in shaping Swami’s character.
(d) Message of the story
Answer:
The story teaches that fear is often imaginary. Facing problems honestly helps one grow stronger and wiser.
(e) Irony of the title Father’s Help
Answer:
Swami expects sympathy but receives discipline. This unexpected help teaches him an important life lesson. Hence, the title is ironic.
Important Revision Notes:
1. About the Author (1–2 lines)
R. K. Narayan was a famous Indian English writer known for simple language, realism, and humour. His stories often portray ordinary Indian life and human psychology.
2. Setting of the Story
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Place: Malgudi (fictional town)
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Location: Swami’s home, road to school, Albert Mission School
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Time: A Monday morning
3. Main Characters (Quick Review)
Swami
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A schoolboy
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Afraid of strict teachers
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Imaginative and dishonest at first
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Learns a moral lesson at the end
Swami’s Father
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Practical, disciplined, wise
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Does not blindly believe Swami
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Teaches responsibility and courage
Samuel
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Swami’s class teacher
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Strict but not cruel
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Misunderstood by Swami
4. Central Themes (VERY IMPORTANT)
Fear and Imagination
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Swami’s fear is imaginary
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Fear controls his actions
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Reality proves his fear wrong
Truth vs Lies
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Lies cause guilt and confusion
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Truth brings relief and peace
Child Psychology
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Fear of school
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Avoidance of responsibility
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Overactive imagination
Role of Parents
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Discipline is true help
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Parents must guide, not pamper
Irony
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“Father’s Help” is not sympathy
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Help comes through discipline
5. Key Events (Remember in Order)
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Monday morning fear
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Swami pretends to be ill
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Complains against Samuel
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Father writes letter
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Swami sent to school
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Fear and guilt on the way
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Samuel behaves kindly
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Swami’s fear proves false
6. Important Lines (For Reference Only – Do Not Memorise)
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Swami exaggerated his headache
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Samuel was described as cruel
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Father remained calm and logical
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Swami felt relieved at the end
7. Common Exam Questions (Most Probable)
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Significance of the title
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Swami’s mental conflict
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Role of Swami’s father
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Character of Samuel
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Theme of fear and courage
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Moral lesson of the story
8. Ready-Made Opening Lines (Use in Long Answers)
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“The story ‘Father’s Help’ highlights the psychology of a schoolboy…”
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“R. K. Narayan beautifully portrays the theme of fear and imagination…”
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“Swami’s father plays an important role in shaping his character…”
9. Ready-Made Conclusion Lines
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“Thus, the story teaches us an important moral lesson.”
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“The incident helps Swami grow emotionally.”
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“The title is therefore justified and ironic.”
10. Final 10-Minute Exam Strategy
✔ Read the question carefully
✔ Identify the theme
✔ Write in simple English
✔ Maintain word limit
✔ End with moral/message
MOST IMPORTANT TIP
👉 Do not write the full story.
👉 Answer only what is asked.
THEME–BASED QUESTIONS:
1. Theme: Fear and Imagination
Question:
How does Swami’s fear of his teacher affect his behaviour?
Answer (100–120 words):
Swami’s fear of his teacher Samuel strongly influences his behaviour. His fear is not based on real experience but on imagination and exaggeration. To escape school, he pretends to have a headache and creates false stories about Samuel’s cruelty. His fear makes him dishonest and anxious. Even while going to school, he imagines severe punishment and feels nervous. However, when he finally faces Samuel, he realizes that his fear was baseless. Through Swami’s experience, the writer shows how fear can grow in a child’s mind and control actions when it is not guided by truth.
2. Theme: Child Psychology
Question:
How does R. K. Narayan portray child psychology in “Father’s Help”?
Answer (100–120 words):
R. K. Narayan presents child psychology in a realistic and humorous way. Swami behaves like a typical child who dislikes school and fears strict teachers. He exaggerates his illness and lies to gain sympathy from his parents. Swami’s imagination turns small problems into terrifying situations. His mental conflict, fear, and guilt reflect the natural psychology of children. Narayan shows how children try to escape responsibility instead of facing it. Swami’s relief at the end highlights how children learn lessons through experience rather than advice.
3. Theme: Truth versus Lies
Question:
How does the story highlight the conflict between truth and lies?
Answer (100–120 words):
The story highlights the conflict between truth and lies through Swami’s actions. Swami lies about his illness and falsely accuses Samuel of cruelty to avoid school. His lies create fear and confusion in his mind. On the other hand, the truth comes out when Samuel behaves kindly and does not punish him. Swami realizes that his lies were unnecessary and wrong. Through this contrast, the author conveys that lies may offer temporary escape but ultimately lead to guilt and fear. Truth, though difficult, brings peace and clarity.
4. Theme: Role of Parents in a Child’s Life
Question:
Discuss the role of Swami’s father in shaping Swami’s character.
Answer (100–120 words):
Swami’s father plays an important role in shaping his character. He does not blindly believe Swami’s complaints. Instead, he listens carefully and takes a balanced decision. By writing a letter to the headmaster and asking Swami to deliver it, he teaches his son responsibility and courage. His approach helps Swami face reality and overcome his fear. Though his method seems strict, it proves beneficial. Swami learns an important lesson about honesty and facing problems rather than avoiding them. Thus, the father acts as a guide and disciplinarian.
5. Theme: Irony
Question:
Explain the irony in the title “Father’s Help”.
Answer (100–120 words):
The title “Father’s Help” is ironic because the help Swami expects is not what he receives. Swami hopes that his father will allow him to stay at home and escape school. Instead, his father makes him go to school and face the situation. This unexpected help teaches Swami a valuable lesson in courage and honesty. The father’s action indirectly benefits Swami by removing his fear and correcting his behaviour. Thus, the title reflects situational irony, where help comes in the form of discipline rather than sympathy.
6. Theme: Moral Lesson
Question:
What moral lesson does “Father’s Help” convey?
Answer (100–120 words):
“Father’s Help” teaches the moral lesson that fear and lies should not control our actions. Swami’s imaginary fear of his teacher leads him to dishonesty and anxiety. When he finally faces the truth, he realizes that courage is more effective than avoidance. The story also teaches that parents should guide children with wisdom rather than blind support. Through Swami’s experience, the author shows that responsibility, honesty, and facing problems are essential for personal growth.
More Questions Answers:
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
(a) Swami’s school was situated in —
(i) Market Road
(ii) Albert Mission School
(iii) Vinayaka Street
(iv) Lawley Extension
(b) Swami feigned headache because —
(i) he was really ill
(ii) he hated Samuel
(iii) he feared punishment
(iv) he did not want to go to school
2. Very Short Answer Questions
(a) Name Swami’s father’s profession.
Answer: Swami’s father was a lawyer.
(b) Who was Samuel?
Answer: Samuel was Swami’s class teacher.
3. Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)
(a) Why did Swami dislike Samuel?
Answer: Swami disliked Samuel because he was very strict and often punished students. He believed Samuel deliberately targeted him and feared that Samuel would beat him for not doing homework.
(b) What excuse did Swami make to avoid going to school?
Answer: Swami pretended to have a severe headache. He acted as if he was seriously ill so that he could stay at home and avoid facing his teacher.
4. Long Answer Question (100–120 words)
Describe how Swami tried to escape going to school.
Answer:
Swami tried every possible way to avoid going to school. He complained of a severe headache and lay down pretending to be ill. He exaggerated his condition, hoping his mother would support him. When his father became suspicious, Swami accused his teacher Samuel of cruelty and physical punishment. He even said that Samuel would beat him if he went to school. Although his father wrote a letter of complaint, Swami’s plan failed when his father ordered him to attend school and deliver the letter himself. Eventually, Swami’s fear proved baseless as Samuel behaved kindly.
1. Fill in the blanks
(a) Swami studied in the __________ Mission School.
Answer: Albert
(b) Swami’s father wrote a letter to __________.
Answer: the headmaster
2. True or False
(a) Swami’s father believed everything Swami said.
Answer: False
(b) Samuel actually beat Swami on that day.
Answer: False
3. Short Answer Questions (30–40 words)
(a) Why did Swami’s father write a letter to the headmaster?
Answer: Swami’s father wrote a letter to the headmaster after hearing Swami’s complaint that Samuel was cruel and punished students severely. He wanted the authority to investigate the matter.
(b) How did Swami feel while walking to school?
Answer: Swami felt frightened and nervous while walking to school. He was worried that Samuel might punish him after reading the letter written by his father.
4. Long Answer Question (100–120 words)
What is the significance of the title “Father’s Help”?
Answer:
The title “Father’s Help” is ironic. Swami expects his father to help him escape school, but his father’s help turns into a lesson in responsibility. Instead of blindly supporting Swami, his father tests the truth of his complaint. By asking Swami to deliver the letter himself, the father indirectly teaches him honesty and courage. Ultimately, Swami realizes that his fears were imaginary. Thus, the title highlights how true help often comes in the form of discipline rather than blind sympathy.
