Comprehension (B)
Dad looked at me again. "When you did not show up, I called the garage to ask if there were any problems, and they told me that you had not yet picked up the car. So you see, I know there were no problems with the car."A rush of guilt ran through me as I feebly confessed my trip to the movie theater and the real reason for my tardiness. Dad listened intently as sadness passed through him. "I'm angry, not with you but with myself. You see, I realise that I have failed as a father if after all these years you feel that you have to lie to me. I have failed because I have brought up a son who cannot even tell the truth to his own father. I'm going to walk home now and contemplate where I have gone wrong all these years."
"But Dad, it's 18 miles to home. It's dark. You can't walk home." My protests, my apologies and the rest of my utterances were useless. I had let my father down, and I was about to learn one of the most painful lessons of my life. Dad began walking along the dusty roads. I quickly jumped in the car and followed behind, hoping he would relent. I pleaded all the way, telling him how sorry I was, but he simply ignored me, continuing on silently, thoughtfully and painfully. For 18 miles I drove behind him, averaging about five miles per hour. Seeing my father in so much physical and emotional pain was the most distressing and painful experience that I have ever faced. However, it was also the most successful lesson. I have never lied to him since.
Questions:
i. What titles could be given to each paragraph in the passage to summarize its content?
ii. Interpret the expressions "a rush of guilt ran through me" and "a sadness passed through him" in the context of the passage.
iii. Analyze the consequences of the narrator's decision to lie about watching movies and its impact on his relationship with his father.
iv. From the perspective of the father, how does the passage highlight the theme of trust in parent-child relationships?
v. What is the thematic message conveyed through the father's decision to walk home and the son's realization of the impact of his actions on his father?
vi. In what ways can individuals apply the lesson learned in the passage to their own lives, particularly in terms of honesty and communication in family relationships?
