Naguib Mahfouz's Half a Day: First Day of School

The First Day of School

• The narrator is going to school for the first time, accompanied by his father
• He is wearing new clothes: black shoes, a green school uniform, and a red tarboosh
• He is unsure about going to school and wants to stay at home with his mother

Conversations with Father

• The narrator asks his father, "Why school?"
• His father replies that school is not a punishment, but a place where boys become useful men
• The narrator is not convinced, feeling that school will take him away from the comfort of his home

Arrival at School

• The narrator and his father arrive at the school, a large and intimidating building
• The father tells the narrator to go in by himself and be a good example to others
• The narrator is hesitant, but his father encourages him to be brave and promises to wait for him at pickup time

Meeting New People

• The narrator meets a boy who asks who brought him to school
• The narrator replies that his father brought him, and the boy reveals that his own father is dead
• The narrator is unsure how to respond and feels like a stranger in a new place

School Activities

• The students are sorted into ranks and begin their school day
• They play games like swings and ball games, learn songs in the music room, and start learning the numbers
• They are introduced to language, see a globe of the Earth, and learn about the Creator of the universe
• They eat delicious food, take a nap, and continue learning and playing

Challenges and Realities

• As the day goes on, the narrator realizes that school is not just fun and games
• There are rivalries and conflicts that bring pain and hatred
• The students must be patient and watchful to navigate these challenges