Father’s Help by R. K. Narayan – Extended Summary and Overview

The story revolves around Swaminathan (Swami), a young schoolboy who dreads going to school on a Monday morning. As he lies in bed, he wishes to avoid school and pretends to have a headache. His mother is sympathetic and allows him to stay home, but his father is strict and insists that he must attend. Despite Swami’s excuses, including being too late for class and fearing the anger of his teacher, Samuel, his father remains firm. To Swami’s dismay, his father decides to write a letter to the headmaster, detailing complaints about Samuel’s supposed harsh behavior. Swami, who had exaggerated Samuel’s strictness, starts feeling uneasy about the consequences of the letter.

As Swami leaves for school, he worries about what his father might have written. He considers delivering the letter at the end of the day, hoping that Samuel might actually do something to justify the complaints. However, when he enters the classroom, he finds Samuel to be unexpectedly kind and understanding. Samuel does not scold him for being late and even praises his father’s discipline. This makes Swami feel guilty, as he realizes that his description of Samuel had been exaggerated. He starts to see Samuel in a different light and regrets the false allegations in the letter.

Throughout the day, Swami notices that Samuel is unusually calm and patient, even when he fails to submit his homework. Instead of reprimanding him, Samuel lets him off easily, which further deepens Swami’s guilt. As the final school bell rings, Swami rushes to the headmaster’s office, only to find that he is on leave for a week. Seizing the opportunity, Swami avoids delivering the letter and runs home with it.

When he reaches home, his father immediately realizes that he has not delivered the letter. Swami explains that the headmaster was absent, but his father, frustrated, snatches the letter and tears it up. He warns Swami not to seek his help if Samuel ever scolds him again, implying that Swami must now deal with his school issues on his own.

The story highlights the themes of childhood innocence, exaggerated fears, and moral dilemmas. Swami’s changing perception of Samuel, his guilt, and his failed attempt to manipulate the situation reflect a child’s struggle with truth and responsibility.