"A Hero" by R.K. Narayan is a short story that tells the tale of a young boy named Somu, who is determined to become a hero in the eyes of his village. The story is set in a small village in India, where Somu lives with his mother, father, and sister.
Somu's desire to become a hero is fueled by his admiration for the local hero, a man named Jagan. Jagan is a well-respected member of the community, known for his bravery and strength. Somu wants nothing more than to be like Jagan and to be able to make a difference in his community.
Despite his young age, Somu is determined to prove himself as a hero. He sets out to perform various acts of bravery, such as rescuing a kitten from a tree and fighting off a pack of stray dogs. However, these acts do not bring him the recognition he desires, and Somu becomes discouraged.
One day, while playing near the river, Somu overhears a group of boys talking about a snake that has been causing trouble in the village. The boys are too afraid to do anything about it, but Somu sees this as his chance to prove himself as a hero. He decides to capture the snake and bring it back to the village as a trophy.
Somu's bravery does not go unnoticed, and he is hailed as a hero by the entire village. Jagan, the man he has looked up to for so long, even praises him for his bravery. Somu is overjoyed and feels that all of his hard work has finally paid off.
Through the story of Somu, R.K. Narayan teaches us that anyone, no matter how young or inexperienced, can be a hero. It takes courage, determination, and the willingness to help others, even when it might be scary or difficult. Somu's journey to become a hero serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that we all have the potential to make a difference in the world.
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