Written by R.K. Narayan, a famous Indian English writer.
Received the Indian Literature Academy's National Prize for the novel "The Guide."
Many of his stories revolve around a fictitious village named Malgudi.
Overview of the Story
Focuses on the character Swami and his experiences related to school and his father.
The setting is a Monday morning, and Swami realizes it's time to go back to school after the holiday.
He reflects on how quickly the holidays seem to pass compared to school days.
Swami wishes that something like an earthquake could destroy the school building to avoid going.
Reaction to School
Swami expresses his dread about returning to school.
His mother initially suggests he could stay home, which he finds reassuring.
However, his father insists he must go to school, showing strictness and authority.
Father argues that skipping school can lead to punishments from teachers, particularly a violent one named Samuel.
Swami's Fear of Samuel
Swami describes Samuel as a violent teacher who physically punishes students.
Examples of students being punished harshly for being late are shared, intensifying Swami's fear.
Despite Swami's pleas and fabricated stories about Samuel's violence, his father remains unsympathetic.
The severity of SamuelтАЩs punishments leads Swami to reconsider whether his complaints are justified.
The Teacher's Character
Swami grapples with mixed feelings about SamuelтАФwhether he is truly as bad as he thinks.
Upon reflection, he acknowledges that Samuel can also be kind and humorous, rather than purely abusive.
Swami contemplates about the rumors circulating among the boys that have exaggerated SamuelтАЩs brutal methods.
Decision to Write the Letter
SwamiтАЩs father decides to write a letter to the headmaster regarding Samuel's violence towards students.
Swami feels guilty about contributing to potentially harming Samuel's career and life.
He doubts his own honesty and whether he accurately portrayed SamuelтАЩs character.
Conflicted Feelings
As Swami reaches school, he feels the weight of being a fraudulent witness against Samuel.
He has a strong urge to run home and stop his father from sending the letter.
At school, he hopes Samuel will act violently to vindicate his accusations but encounters kindness instead.
The tension between Swami's expectations and reality causes him distress.
Plot Progression
In class, Samuel is teaching - unexpectedly, he is gentle and caring.
Swami's attempts to provoke Samuel yield no results as the teacher responds with patience.
A moment of chaos unfolds when Swami shouts out answers. Samuel's reaction is surprisingly calm.
The classroom dynamics shift, with Swami increasingly feeling that he misjudged Samuel.
Climax and Resolution
Swami realizes that he neither wants Samuel to be dismissed nor to carry the burden of guilt for sending the letter.
He devises a plan to delay delivering his father's letter to the headmaster, hoping to remain incognito about it.
As the school day progresses, SwamiтАЩs attitude towards Samuel shifts towards admiration.
Ultimately, instead of ruining SamuelтАЩs life, Swami finds himself respecting the teacher while wishing to retract his accusations, realizing the complexities of adult dynamics and authority.
Conclusion
The story navigates themes of fear, authority, childhood innocence, and the morality of honesty.
It leaves readers with a reflection on how perceptions of individuals can vary based on context and internal conflicts.