THE BOY WHO BROKE THE BANK - READING

Summary

In 'The Boy Who Broke the Bank' by Ruskin Bond, Nathu, a sweeper boy, is upset over delayed wages from Sait Govindram's bank. His friend Sitaram, a delivery boy, offers to find him work elsewhere. Rumors of the bank's insolvency spread, causing a panic among the townspeople who rush to withdraw their money. The bank's manager is helpless as the crowd turns violent. The next day, Nathu, unaware of the chaos, is shocked to find the bank in disarray, only to learn from Sitaram that the bank has gone bankrupt.

Takeaways

• 🧹 Nathu, the sweeper boy, is unhappy with his employer, Sait Govindraam, for not receiving his salary on time.
• 👕 Sitaram, the washer man's son, sympathizes with Nathu and offers to help him find new employment.
• 🏦 Rumors spread quickly in the small town that Sait Govindraam's bank is unable to pay its employees, causing panic among the townspeople.
• 🗣️ Mrs. Prakash and Mrs. Bhushan contribute to the gossip, which leads to a growing belief that the bank is on the verge of collapse.
• 📢 The news of the bank's alleged financial troubles spreads like wildfire, causing chaos and prompting people to rush to withdraw their money.
• 🏃‍♂️ The panic causes a run on the bank, with people demanding their money back immediately, leading to a near riot.
• 🚔 The situation escalates to the point where the police have to intervene to control the angry crowd.
• 🚨 The bank's manager tries to reassure customers that their money is safe, but the crowd is not convinced and continues to demand their funds.
• 🗯️ The rumor mill continues to churn out stories, with some claiming that Sait Govindraam has fled the country, while others believe he's hiding in town.
• 🧹 Nathu, unaware of the severity of the situation, is more concerned about the increased workload caused by the chaos and the bank's supposed bankruptcy.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the story 'The Boy Who Broke the Bank'?

The main character in the story is Nathu, the sweeper boy.

Why is Nathu unhappy with his job at the bank?

Nathu is unhappy because he has not received his regular pay and is owed two months' salary.

What does Nathu plan to do once he gets his money?

Nathu plans to quit his job at the bank and leave as soon as he gets his money.

Who is Sitaram and what is his role in the story?

Sitaram is the washer man's son who delivers freshly pressed clothes. He plays a role in spreading the news about the bank's financial troubles and helps Nathu find a new job opportunity.

How does the rumor about the bank's financial situation start?

The rumor starts when Sitaram overhears Nathu complaining about not being paid and then shares this information with Mrs. Prakash.

What is the reaction of the townspeople when they hear about the bank's financial troubles?

The townspeople react with panic and rush to the bank to withdraw their money, leading to chaos and a run on the bank.

What is the actual reason for Nathu not receiving his salary on time?

The actual reason is not a shortage of money but because the clerk responsible for part-time workers' payments is on sick leave.

How does the bank manager respond to the crowd demanding their money?

The bank manager tries to calm the crowd by assuring them that the bank has enough money and that they can withdraw it the next morning.

What is the outcome of the bank run and the crowd's actions?

The bank runs out of ready money, and the crowd eventually disperses after the police arrive. The bank's window is broken, and the situation is chaotic.

What is Nathu's reaction when he hears about the bank's collapse?

Nathu is shocked and concerned about the increased work from the mess caused by the crowd, but he is also worried about getting his pay.