“Swami and Friends” by R. K. Narayan is a classic novel set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India. The story follows a young boy named Swami and his adventures in his hometown. Read More English Summaries.
Swami and Friends Summary
Swami and Friends Summary in English
1. Monday Morning
In this chapter, we are introduced to Swami, the central figure in the novel. He is a boy often years and a student of First Form (A), Albert Mission School, Malgudi. He is not one of the brightest students of the school. After the delicious freedom and rest of Saturday and Sunday, he does not like to go to school on Monday. On Monday mornings, he is unable to concentrate on his studies.
We are also introduced to his close friends and his teachers. Among friends he is particularly intimate with Mani, a towering well-built personality, who with clubs at home can break any body’s neck. Among his teachers, there is the Christian Ebenezar,who is always praising his religion and criticising Hindu gods. Swami objects to this and the teacher tries to wrench his left ear off. Swami complains to his father, who gives his son a letter for the Headmaster, to be delivered the next morning. However, it has no effect and things go on as us gal.
2. Rajam and Mani
This chapter introduces us to a newcomer to the class, Rajam. He Is the son of the Superintendent of Police, well-dressed, intelligent, and a good student. In the beginning, he is regarded as a rival by Mani and is challenged to a fight. Swami is fascinated by him and is friendly with him. He is much relieved when the fight does not take place and the two are reconciled. Their friendship matures, the three are constantly together, and the others are excluded from this ‘inner circle’.
Story Swami And Friends Summary
3. Swami’s Grandmother
In this chapter there are three sections. In the first section, we are given a character sketch of Swami’s Granny, the way she passes her days and of her ‘room’. Swami tells her of his new friend Rajam and she narrates to him the story of Harishchandra, till he goes to sleep. In the second section we are told of Swami’s anxiety to go out and bai about with his friends. As soon as his father is gone, Swami runs away to his friends, despite the remonstrance of his mother.
The third section gives an account of the visit of Swami and Mani to Rajam’s residence. They are much Impressed by the toys which he shows them, the respect which he commands, and the way in which col fee and snacks are brought in. However, the chapter ends on a note of comedy; the discomfiture of Rajam at the hands of the cook.
Swami And Friends Summary
4. ‘What is a Tail’?
The friends of Swami were jealous of his friendship with Rajam. So, they called him “the Tail” of Rajam and refused to play or talk with him. Swami felt most wretched, isolated and unhappy.
5. Father’s Room
This chapter may conveniently be divided into three parts. In the first part, Swami seeks the permission of his father to use his room as his own during Ra jam’s visit in the afternoon and the permission is granted. In the second part; there is an account of the visit itself. In the third part the scene shifts to the school. Some one has written Tail on the blackboard in large letters. This leads to fierce fighting, till the Headmaster arrives, separates Somu and Mani, locked in a fierce fight at the time, and restores order.
6. A Friend in Need
The chapter tells us how Rajam caused Swami and Mani to become friends once again with the Pea, Somu, and Shankar. This was done by inviting all of them to his house, giving them a lecture on friendship, and offering them attractive gifts if they became friends once again. Rajam, indeed, served the cause of friendship, in the hour of need.
7. A New Arrival
The new arrival Is Swami’s baby brother. The atmosphere of suspense, hurry and bustle which precedes the birth has been well-brought out. Swami failed to understand the meaning of the goings-on and as to why the lady doctor was treating the home as her own, and why she was being obeyed by all concerned. Lost in thought, he fell asleep. However, he knew the next morning that he had got a baby brother.
Swami And Friends Summary Chapter Wise
8. Before the Examinations
The chapter deals with the approach of the annual examinations, and the trouble it meant for Swami. At home, the father made a lot of fuss and made Swami study for long hours. At school, the examination fever seemed to have possessed all his friends. There was no gossiping and loitering about. It was rumoured that the school dark knew all about the question papers and frantic efforts were made to get some hints from him.
Mani visited him with a gift of brinjals and went to the extent of asking him directly about the question papers. His answers were vague and general but Mani was fully satisfied. He told what he knew to Swami and they prepared accordingly.
9. School Breaks-up
It was the last day of the examinations, and after that the school was to be closed for the vacations. Swami came out of the examination room twenty minutes earlier and waited for others to come but none came till the bell rang and then it was all noise and jubilation. The Headmaster addressed them briefly and announced that the school would remain closed till the 19th of June and shall reopen on the 20th.
There was excitement and joy at the announcement, and then they started breaking ink-pots and destroying articles of stationer Swami participated with joy In this mad spree. The fun went on till the school peon dispersed the revellers.