The Little Girl by Katherine Mansfield

 1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father? Kezia was afraid of her father because he was strict, spoke harshly, and never showed affection towards her. His presence intimidated her, and he seemed distant and unkind, making her feel nervous and uncomfortable around him.

 2. Who were the people in Kezia’s family? The people in Kezia’s family were her father, her mother, her grandmother, and herself. 

 3. i. What was Kezia’s father’s routine? before going to his office? 

ii. after coming back from his office?

 iii. on Sundays? 

 i. Before going to his office: 

 He came into Kezia's room, gave her a casual kiss, and left for work, appearing very busy and serious.

 ii. After coming back from his office:

 He would ask for his slippers, rest on the sofa, stretch out, and demand his tea, newspaper, and silence in the house.

iii. On Sundays: 

 He relaxed at home, slept soundly on the sofa with a handkerchief on his face, and snored. He expected everything to be quiet and undisturbed. 

 4. In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better? Kezia’s grandmother encouraged her to get to know her father better by advising her to spend time with her parents in the drawing-room every evening. She also suggested that Kezia make a surprise gift for her father’s birthday to show her love and affection. Through these small efforts, the grandmother hoped to help Kezia feel less afraid and build a closer bond with her father. 

 5. Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much. How did this happen? Kezia wanted to please her father by making a special birthday gift for him. Her grandmother had suggested that she could make a pin-cushion. Kezia decided to stitch it herself and needed something to fill it. While looking for suitable material, she found some papers in her mother’s room and used them to stuff the pin cushion, not knowing they were important. Unfortunately, the papers she tore and used were her father’s important speech for the Port Authority. When her father discovered this, he was extremely angry. He scolded Kezia harshly, beat her with a ruler, and made her feel even more frightened and hurt. Her small effort to make her father happy ended up making him more displeased, which increased the distance between them.

 6. Kezia decides that there are “different kinds of fathers”. What kind of father was Mr Macdonald, and how was he different from Kezia’s father? Mr. Macdonald was a kind, loving, and playful father. He lived next door to Kezia and often played with his children in the garden, laughing and enjoying their company. He treated his children gently, carrying them on his shoulders and even allowing them to climb all over him without getting angry. In contrast, Kezia’s father was strict, serious, and unapproachable. He never showed affection, and Kezia was afraid of him. Unlike Mr. Macdonald, who created a joyful and warm atmosphere at home, Kezia’s father made her feel nervous and distant. This made Kezia realize that fathers can be different—some, like Mr. Macdonald, are kind and friendly, while others, like her own, seem harsh and distant.

 7. How does Kezia begin to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy? Kezia begins to see her father as a human being who needs her sympathy when her mother falls ill and she is left alone with her father for a few days. One night, she has a nightmare and wakes up frightened. Her father comes to her room, comforts her, and takes her to his bed. He gently makes her feel safe, puts her to sleep beside him, and even warms her feet with his own. In that moment, Kezia realizes that her father is not as cold and cruel as she had thought. She understands that he works hard all day and is too tired to show his love openly. She sees a softer side of him and understands that he also needs care and affection. This changes her view, and she begins to feel sympathy and love for him.