40 Questions
What did Father read to Swami?
A story about a brave village lad
What did the village lad do when he encountered the tiger?
He fought the tiger and climbed a tree
How long did the village lad stay in the tree?
Half a day
Why did Swami question the story?
He thought the boy was too young to fight a tiger
How did Father react to Swami's question?
He sneered at Swami's skepticism
What was Swami's father reading when he shared the story?
A newspaper
What was the outcome of the village lad's encounter with the tiger?
The village lad escaped safely
Why did the village people come to the jungle path?
They came to rescue the village lad
What is the central idea expressed by Swami's father in the conversation?
That courage is more important than strength.
What is Swami's father trying to prove to Swami?
That courage is a more important quality than strength.
Why does Swami's father want Swami to sleep alone?
Because Swami needs to learn to be more independent.
What is Swami's initial reaction to his father's challenge?
He tries to change the subject.
What does Swami's father accuse Swami's mother of doing?
Spoiling Swami.
What is Swami's position in school?
He is in the second form.
What is Swami's father's personality trait showcased in the conversation?
Tenacity.
What is Swami's father's attitude towards Swami sleeping with his granny?
He is ashamed of Swami.
What sounds did Swami hear in the stillness?
The clock ticking, rustling of trees, and humming of insects
Why did Swami spread his bed under the bench?
To hide from the devils
What happened to Swami's old friend in the fourth class?
He was carried off by a ghost to Siam or Nepal
What did Swami do when he felt scared?
He covered himself with a blanket
What was Swami's nightmare about?
A tiger chasing him
Why did Swami put his hand out?
To feel his granny's presence
What happened when Swami stared into the darkness?
He saw something moving down
What did Swami do when he saw something moving down?
He hugged the bench with all his might
Where does Swami want to sleep?
In the hall
What is Swami's concern about his father's office room?
It's too dusty
What does Swami's father want him to learn?
Not to be afraid of darkness
What does Swami's father threaten to do if Swami rolls up his bed and goes to his granny's side?
Make him the laughing stock of his school
Why does Swami feel cut off from humanity?
Because his father is being cruel to him
What does Swami remember as the night advances?
Stories of devils and ghosts
What is mentioned as a source of light in the room?
A ray of light from the street
What is the effect of Swami's thoughts on him?
He becomes faint with fear
What did Swami do to the notorious housebreaker?
He bit into his ankle
Why did the police thank Swami?
For capturing a notorious housebreaker
What did the Inspector suggest Swami do when he grew up?
Join the police force
What did Swami actually want to be when he grew up?
An engine driver, a railway guard, or a bus conductor
Why was Swami sleeping early that night?
He didn't get any sleep the previous night
Where did Swami sleep that night?
Beside his granny
What did Swami's mother ask his father not to do?
Let Swami sleep where he likes
What was the reaction of Swami's classmates to his bravery?
They looked at him with respect
Study Notes
Swami's Fears and Nightmares
- Swami's father reads a newspaper article about a brave boy who fought a tiger and climbs a tree to escape.
- Swami doubts the boy's bravery, saying he must have been a strong and grown-up person, not a boy.
- Father responds that courage is more important than strength and age.
Sleeping Alone
- Father orders Swami to sleep alone in his office room, saying it's disgraceful to sleep beside his granny or mother like a baby.
- Swami is frightened and tries to negotiate, asking if he can sleep in the hall or have a lamp burning in the room.
- Father refuses, saying Swami must learn not to be afraid of darkness.
Nighttime Fears
- Swami is left alone in the dark room, fearing ghosts and devils from stories he's heard.
- He tries to distract himself but is eventually overcome with fear, covers himself completely, and falls asleep.
- In his sleep, Swami has nightmares about being chased by a tiger and being unable to move.
The Burglar
- Swami wakes up to a rustling noise, thinking it's a devil, and bites into the flesh of a burglar who has entered the room.
- The family and servants come to the rescue, and the burglar is caught.
Aftermath
- Swami is praised by his classmates and teacher, and the headmaster calls him a true scout.
- The Inspector congratulates Swami and suggests he join the police when he grows up.
- Swami's father eventually gives in and allows him to sleep with his granny again.
Explore the rules and regulations that govern school life. Identify and discuss the importance of following rules in school.
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