Attila
"Attila: A Tale of Unlikely Friendship and Heroism"
Description:
Embark on a heartwarming journey with "Attila," a lovable canine protagonist, in this delightful short story penned by the master storyteller, R.K. Narayan. In a twist of fate, a family with high hopes of a fierce and protective watchdog named their puppy 'Attila' during a spate of neighbourhood break-ins. Little did they know that Attila would defy conventional expectations and become anything but a fearsome guardian.
Watch as Attila, with his towering stature, surprises the household by displaying a deep love for humanity and an unexpectedly gentle demeanour. Despite his impressive frame, Attila welcomes everyone who enters the house with warmth, leaving the family both puzzled and slightly disappointed.
The plot takes an amusing turn when a thief named Ranga breaks into Attila's home. Rather than barking and alerting the family, Attila befriends the intruder, leading to a series of comical events that challenge the traditional watchdog narrative.
Follow the story as Attila goes missing, only to reappear as an unlikely hero in the most unexpected circumstances. The narrative weaves together themes of loyalty, friendship, and the amusing quirks of canine behaviour, offering readers a delightful escape into a world where appearances can be deceiving.
"Attila: A Tale of Unlikely Friendship and Heroism" is a short story that transcends stereotypes, bringing a touch of humour and warmth to the classic watchdog narrative. Join Attila on this heartwarming adventure and discover the joy that comes with embracing unexpected friendships.
Summary
"Attila" by R.K. Narayan is a delightful story that subverts expectations about a watchdog's behaviour. The family initially names their dog Attila with the hope that he will grow up to be strong and fearsome, especially in response to the rising incidents of house-breakings and thefts in the neighbourhood.
However, Attila surprises everyone by displaying a love for humanity and gentle behaviour. Despite his impressive stature, he welcomes various people entering the house warmly, making friends with anyone who stops and smiles at him. This amiable nature of Attila doesn't sit well with the family, who hoped for a more aggressive and protective watchdog.
The youngest boy defends Attila, mentioning that the dog doesn't sleep at night but goes around the house, keeping a watchful eye. The family remains sceptical, especially the mother, who suggests locking Attila up at night to prevent him from potentially assisting burglars.
The turning point in the story occurs when a thief named Ranga breaks into Attila's house. To everyone's surprise, instead of barking and alerting the family, Attila befriends the thief. Ranga, shocked by Attila's unexpected behaviour, strokes the dog's head, and Attila follows him as he leaves.
Attila's disappearance causes distress in the family, and they reluctantly admit that perhaps it's for the best. However, a week later, the eldest son spots Attila trotting behind Ranga in the city. He intervenes, causing Ranga to flee and Attila to chase after him. In the commotion, a piece of stolen jewellery flies from Ranga's hand, and the truth is revealed.
Attila becomes the hero of the day, with the family acknowledging his cunning detective skills. The story ends humorously, suggesting that Attila's lack of speech is fortunate, as he might have revealed the truth and lost his newfound heroic status.
The story cleverly explores themes of unexpected friendships, loyalty, and the idea that appearances can be deceiving, delivering a humorous twist to the traditional watchdog narrative.
Word meanings
Optimism:
Meaning: A positive outlook or belief.
House-breakings:
Meaning: Unauthorized entry into houses, typically for theft.
Neighbourhood:
Meaning: The area or region near a particular place.
Trust:
Meaning: Confidence in the reliability or integrity of someone or something.
Puppy:
Meaning: A young dog.
Gentle:
Meaning: Having a mild and kind disposition.
Frame:
Meaning: The structure that gives shape or support.
Postmen:
Meaning: Individuals who deliver mail.
Bill-collectors:
Meaning: Individuals responsible for collecting payments or bills.
Vendors:
Meaning: People who sell goods or services.
Attitude:
Meaning: A settled way of thinking or feeling.
Shame:
Meaning: A painful feeling of humiliation or distress.
Burglar:
Meaning: A person who enters a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft.
Ambition:
Meaning: A strong desire or determination to achieve something.
Companionship:
Meaning: The state of having someone as a companion or friend.
Disappearance:
Meaning: The act of ceasing to be visible or available.
Sensation:
Meaning: A widespread reaction or interest.
Thank:
Meaning: Expressing gratitude or appreciation.
Desert:
Meaning: To abandon or leave behind.
Detective:
Meaning: A person who investigates and solves crimes.
These meanings should help clarify the understanding of the words in the context of the story.
MCQ’S
1. Why did the family name their dog "Attila"?
A. In honour of a famous warrior
B. Reflecting strength and fierceness
C. A traditional and common dog name
D. Random choice
2. What qualities did the family initially expect from Attila as a watchdog?
A. Loyalty and friendliness
B. Agility and speed
C. Strength and fighting spirit
D. Intelligence and obedience
3. How did Attila behave towards strangers entering the house?
A. Aggressively
B. Timidly
C. With love and gentle behaviour
D. Ignored them
4. What was Attila's reaction when he witnessed Ranga stealing valuables?
A. Barked loudly
B. Showed aggression
C. Licked Ranga's hands and showed affection
D. Ran away
5. Why was Ranga fed up with Attila after the burglary?
A. Attila attacked him
B. Attila didn't react to the burglary
C. Attila followed him constantly
D. Attila barked too loudly
6. How did the family react to Attila's disappearance?
A. They were happy
B. They were alarmed and upset
C. They thought Attila had gone for a walk
D. They thanked the thief for taking Attila away
7. Why did Attila run after Ranga, according to the text?
A. Attila wanted to play
B. Attila was scared of Ranga
C. Attila wanted to be with his friend
D. Attila was chasing Ranga away
8. What unexpected role did Attila play in catching the thief, Ranga?
A. Attila attacked Ranga
B. Attila overtook Ranga, causing him to stumble
C. Attila barked loudly to alert others
D. Attila ignored Ranga completely
9. How did the family's perception of Attila change after the incident with the thief?
A. They were disappointed in Attila
B. They saw him as a hero with unique qualities
C. They regretted naming him Attila
D. They decided to give him away
10. What was Ranga's expectation of Attila's behaviour during the theft?
A. Ranga expected Attila to attack him
B. Ranga expected Attila to bark loudly
C. Ranga expected Attila to run away
D. Ranga expected Attila to remain silent and not react
Understanding the Story
A. Answer the following questions briefly:
1. Why did the family buy Attila?
2. What was Attila's attitude towards strangers?
3. What was Attila's reaction when he saw Ranga stealing the valuables? How far was it in accordance with Ranga's expectations?
4. Why was Ranga fed up with Attila?
5. How did the family members react to Attila's disappearance?
6. Why did Attila run after Ranga? What did others conclude from his chase?
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A. Answer the following questions briefly:
Why did the family buy Attila?
The family bought Attila to serve as a watchdog and provide security against house-breakings and thefts in the neighbourhood.
What was Attila's attitude towards strangers?
Attila had a friendly and gentle attitude towards strangers. He warmly received various people who entered the house and quickly became friends with them.
What was Attila's reaction when he saw Ranga stealing the valuables? How far was it in accordance with Ranga's expectations?
Attila did not bark or raise an alarm when he saw Ranga stealing. Instead, he licked Ranga's hands and showed no aggression. This was contrary to Ranga's expectations, who anticipated the dog to bark.
Why was Ranga fed up with Attila?
Ranga was fed up with Attila because the dog followed him closely after the burglary, wanting to be his companion. This constant companionship irritated Ranga.
How did the family members react to Attila's disappearance?
The family was alarmed and upset. They regretted not locking Attila up and assumed that a burglar had taken him away. The father sarcastically suggested thanking the thief for taking the dog.
Why did Attila run after Ranga? What did others conclude from his chase?
Attila ran after Ranga because he did not want to lose his friend's company. Others concluded that Attila was a cunning detective, and the lady of the house softened towards him, appreciating his apparent detective skills.
HOTS
A. Is Attila really a hero? Give reasons for your answer.
Attila's actions may be seen as heroic because he indirectly helped catch the thief by following him. However, his intentions were not aligned with the family's expectations of a watchdog. Whether he is a hero depends on one's perspective.
B. All said and done, Attila was a bad watchdog. Do you agree?
Yes, Attila can be considered a bad watchdog, as he did not fulfil the traditional role of guarding the house against intruders. His friendly behaviour and lack of aggression were not in line with the family's expectations.
Life Skills
As the youngest son, who always favoured Attila. What would you do to help the family come out of the shock? (Plan a strategy to bring back Attila and the jewellery stolen).
The youngest son could organize a search party, put up missing posters, and involve the community to locate Attila. Additionally, he could gather information about Ranga's whereabouts and inform the police to recover the stolen jewellery.
Values
'We should judge people by what they actually are and not by what they help to achieve.' Discuss with reference to Attila.
Attila, though not fitting the traditional watchdog role, had qualities of loyalty and friendship. The family misjudged him based on their expectations, highlighting the importance of understanding individuals for what they are rather than what they are expected to be.
Writing Skills
A. Imagine yourself to be a newspaper reporter who witnessed Attila blocking the way of Ranga and helping the police catch the thief. Write a newspaper report describing the brave act of Attila.
Headline: Brave Canine Hero Blocks Escape, Aids in Apprehending Thief
Subheading: Attila, the Unlikely Hero, Foils Robbery and Captures Culprit
Haldia Township, 28 January, 24
In a surprising turn of events, a four-legged guardian named Attila proved to be an unlikely hero as he played a pivotal role in the capture of a notorious thief in Haldia Township. Attila, known for his gentle demeanour, exhibited remarkable bravery as he blocked the escape route of the criminal, aiding the police in apprehending the suspect.
The incident unfolded late at night when Ranga, a seasoned thief, attempted to burglarize a residence in Sector 11. Unbeknownst to Ranga, Attila, the household's seemingly docile dog, became an unexpected obstacle in his criminal endeavour.
Eyewitnesses reported that as Ranga attempted to make his getaway, Attila, standing steadfast, blocked his path. Instead of barking or raising an alarm, the courageous canine maintained a calm demeanour, choosing to confront the intruder directly. Ranga, expecting resistance, was taken aback when Attila not only refrained from aggression but also displayed affection by licking his hands.
Undeterred by the thief's attempts to dissuade him, Attila continued to follow Ranga, revealing an unwavering determination to ensure justice prevailed. The chase unfolded on the VIP Road, drawing the attention of passersby who were astonished to witness a dog playing a crucial role in the pursuit of a criminal.
The drama reached its climax when Attila, driven by a sense of loyalty and duty, overtook Ranga, causing him to stumble and drop a piece of jewellery he had stolen. This critical moment led to the swift intervention of a young man who recognized the stolen items, enabling the police to apprehend Ranga.
Attila's actions have garnered him widespread acclaim, challenging preconceived notions about his role as a watchdog. The residents of Haldia now view Attila as a local hero, proving that bravery can come in unexpected forms.
The police have commended Attila for his assistance, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining public safety. As for the stolen jewellery, it has been recovered, and the family is overjoyed to be reunited with their valuables.
Attila's courageous act serves as a reminder that heroism can be found in the most unexpected places, highlighting the unique bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
Prabin Ghosh
The Telegraph
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B. Imagine yourself to be Attila. Write a letter to one of your friends showing your displeasure over your friend Ranga's imprisonment.
Answer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, PIN Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Dear [Friend's Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to share with you some distressing news that has been weighing heavily on my furry shoulders. You see, our mutual friend Ranga has found himself on the wrong side of the law and is now confined to a place he probably never dreamed of.
I must admit, I never anticipated that my actions that night would lead to such consequences for Ranga. All I wanted was to follow my newfound friend, and I never intended for things to escalate to this extent. I had no idea the chase would result in his imprisonment.
It pains me to think that my loyalty and desire for companionship inadvertently played a part in Ranga's predicament. I had no ill intentions; I simply wanted to enjoy a nighttime stroll with a friend. Little did I know that our adventure would take such a turn.
Please understand that I hold no grudge against Ranga. In fact, I feel a sense of camaraderie with him. It was not my intention to cause him trouble. I only wanted to be by his side, enjoying the freedom of the streets.
I have heard from reliable sources that Ranga is now behind bars, and it breaks my heart to think that my actions contributed to his current situation. Dogs like me lack the understanding of human laws, and I never meant for any harm to come to Ranga.
I hope you can convey my sincere apologies to Ranga and assure him that my intentions were never malicious. I miss our late-night adventures, and I wish things had turned out differently.
I hope this letter finds you well, and I appreciate your understanding in this matter. Please extend my warm regards to Ranga and let him know that he remains in my thoughts.
Yours faithfully,
Attila
Extra Questions:
Why did the family decide to name their dog "Attila"?
What qualities did the family initially expect from Attila as a watchdog?
How did Attila behave towards strangers entering the house?
Describe Attila's reaction when he witnessed Ranga stealing valuables from the house.
Why did Ranga expect Attila to bark when he saw him stealing?
Why was Ranga fed up with Attila after the burglary?
How did the family members react to Attila's disappearance?
Why did Attila run after Ranga, and what did others conclude from this chase?
What unexpected role did Attila play in helping catch the thief, Ranga?
How did the family's perception of Attila change after the incident with the thief?
Top of Form
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Answers:
1. Why did the family decide to name their dog "Attila"?
Answer: The family decided to name their dog "Attila" in a mood of optimism, hoping that the name would reflect strength and fierceness, qualities they expected in a watchdog.
2. What qualities did the family initially expect from Attila as a watchdog?
Answer: The family initially expected Attila to possess strength and a fighting spirit, anticipating that he would become a formidable and respected watchdog in about six months.
3. How did Attila behave towards strangers entering the house?
Answer: Attila behaved unexpectedly towards strangers by showing love and gentle behaviour. Instead of being aggressive, he warmly received people entering the house, becoming best friends with them upon a simple smile.
4. Describe Attila's reaction when he witnessed Ranga stealing valuables from the house.
Answer: Surprisingly, Attila did not react aggressively when he saw Ranga stealing. Instead of barking, he licked Ranga's hands and showed affection, deviating from the typical watchdog response.
5. Why did Ranga expect Attila to bark when he saw him stealing?
Answer: Ranga expected Attila to bark because it is a common behaviour for watchdogs to raise an alarm when they witness suspicious activities. However, Attila's response was different, leading to Ranga's surprise.
6. Why was Ranga fed up with Attila after the burglary?
Answer: Ranga was fed up with Attila because the dog followed him closely after the burglary, wanting to be his constant companion. This companionship irritated Ranga, who wished to be left alone.
7. How did the family members react to Attila's disappearance?
Answer: The family members were alarmed and upset about Attila's disappearance. They regretted not locking him up and assumed a burglar had taken him away. The father sarcastically suggested thanking the thief for taking the dog.
8. Why did Attila run after Ranga, and what did others conclude from this chase?
Answer: Attila ran after Ranga because he wanted to be with his newfound friend. Others concluded that Attila was a cunning detective, appreciating his actions in chasing the thief, despite the family's initial disappointment.
9. What unexpected role did Attila play in helping catch the thief, Ranga?
Answer: Attila's unexpected role was crucial in the chase. He overtook Ranga, causing him to stumble and drop stolen jewellery. This led to the swift intervention of a young man who recognized the items, enabling the police to apprehend Ranga.
10. How did the family's perception of Attila change after the incident with the thief?
Answer: The family's perception of Attila changed positively after the incident. Despite not fulfilling traditional watchdog expectations, Attila's role in capturing the thief earned him acclaim, and the family saw him as a hero with unique qualities.
Answers to MCQ’S
B. Reflecting strength and fierceness
C. Strength and fighting spirit
C. With love and gentle behaviour
C. Licked Ranga's hands and showed affection
C. Attila followed him constantly
B. They were alarmed and upset
C. Attila wanted to be with his friend
B. Attila overtook Ranga, causing him to stumble
B. They saw him as a hero with unique qualities
D. Ranga expected Attila to remain silent and not react
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Describe Attila
"Attila the Puppy" stands as a delightful embodiment of innocence and potential. With a sleek and shiny coat of fur, Attila's fur exhibits a blend of warm, earthy tones, giving him an endearing appearance. His large, expressive eyes gleam with curiosity and playfulness, reflecting an untainted spirit.
Despite being a mere couple of months old, Attila already exudes a charm that captivates anyone who lays eyes on him. His paws, though small, hint at the robust frame he is destined to grow into, promising strength and vitality. Attila's floppy ears add a touch of youthful clumsiness to his overall charm, and they twitch with every new sound that captures his attention.
The puppy's tail, constantly wagging with boundless enthusiasm, complements his playful and friendly demeanour. Attila's posture, though not fully matured, hints at the future grace and stature he will acquire. Whether he's pouncing on a toy or eagerly interacting with the people around him, Attila radiates a joyous energy that is infectious.
The image of Attila captures the essence of a carefree and spirited puppy, embodying the potential for a loyal and loving companion in the making. This little canine presence promises not only to grow into a robust and strong guardian but also to bring boundless joy and affection to the household.
