Question

Read the extract given below and answer the following questions.

“I’m not afraid”. “You’re afraid”, said his father. “When are you going to grow up and act like man? Are you going to be timid all your life?”

1. In which situation does the boy retort “I’m not afraid”? (Understanding)
2. What was the boy’s father trying to emphasise? (Analysis)
3. How did Martin react to his father’s rebuke? (Understanding)
4. What does the extract tell about the relationship between the son and the father? (Understanding)
5. What do you think of the father’s attitude towards Martin? (Analysis and Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Martin says, “I’m not afraid” when his father questions him about avoiding the elevator. His father believes Martin is frightened and challenges him to be brave. Martin denies being afraid because he does not want his father to think of him as a coward.
2. Martin’s father was trying to emphasise that Martin should overcome his fear and behave more confidently. He wanted him to stop avoiding the elevator and “act like a man” instead of being timid.
3. Martin felt hurt and embarrassed by his father’s words. Although he denied being afraid, his father’s criticism made him feel weak and cowardly. He decided that he would have to face his fear and use the elevator.
4. The extract shows that the relationship between Martin and his father lacks emotional understanding. The father is critical and impatient with Martin’s fears instead of comforting him. Martin, in turn, feels insecure and unable to openly express his feelings.
5. The father’s attitude is insensitive and unsympathetic. Although he wants Martin to become brave and independent, he uses criticism and ridicule rather than encouragement. A more understanding approach would have helped Martin deal with his fear in a healthier way.