R.K.Narayan

 

Short Stories 

Hello.

This blog is based on two short stories of R.K.Narayan and that is 'An Astrologer's day' and 'Crime and Punishment', this blog has been assigned by megha ma'am. 

R.K. Narayan's name is practically synonymous with Malgudi, the charming fictional town that serves as the setting for many of his beloved stories. Collections like "Malgudi Days," featuring the iconic "Swami and Friends," have cemented his place as a master storyteller. But Narayan's talent extends far beyond these well-known works. This blog acts as your guide to explore hidden corners of Malgudi. We'll be delving into two of his lesser-known short stories: "An Astrologer's Day" and "Crime and Punishment." Get ready for a journey filled with unexpected twists of fate and thought-provoking moral dilemmas that unfold within the heart of this vibrant town. Prepare to discover a side of Narayan that may surprise you, showcasing his ability to weave captivating stories that go beyond the familiar streets and characters that Malgudi fans already know and love.

The prolific Indian English Writer: R.K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan, a towering figure in Indian literature, is best known for creating the fictional town of Malgudi. This charming South Indian setting became the backdrop for many of his novels. Narayan, alongside writers like Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, is considered a pioneer of early Indian writing in English. His debut novel, "Swami and Friends," published in 1935, helped introduce this style of literature to the world.

Narayan wasn't alone on his literary journey. The famous writer Graham Greene became his mentor and played a key role in getting Narayan's first four books published. This included the heartwarming and semi-autobiographical trilogy of "Swami and Friends," "The Bachelor of Arts," and "The English Teacher."

Narayan's talent extended far beyond these initial works. He went on to write acclaimed novels like "The Financial Expert" and "The Guide," which even won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award. "The Guide" was later adapted into a successful Hindi film. A unique quality of Narayan's writing is his ability to create a fictional world that feels real. Similar to the works of William Faulkner, Narayan's Malgudi brims with humor and the vibrancy of everyday life.

An Astrologer's Day:- 

Let's have a look on some question answer which is based on the story,An Astrologer's Day:- 

Q-1) How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

Ans:The film adaptation we watched definitely captured the essence of the story, but like many adaptations, it likely took some creative liberties to make it more engaging. One difference could be the level of detail. While the story uses rich descriptions, films rely heavily on visuals. The director might have simplified the astrologer's appearance and belongings to keep the focus on the plot, letting viewers imagine the finer details.One can see the major difference might be in the portrayal of the family. The story may have left the wife unnamed, making her a background character, while the film might have given her a name, like "Usha," and expanded her role. Similarly, the story might not have specified the child's gender or name. The film’s choice to depict a daughter adds a new dimension to the family dynamic, potentially altering how viewers perceive the story. Analyzing these variations helps us appreciate the challenges and creativity involved in adapting literature to film.

Q-2) After watching the movie, has your perception of the short story, characters, or situations changed?

Ans:The story presents an intriguing detail: the astrologer, who attempted to kill Guru Nayak years ago, recognizes him immediately. However, Guru Nayak, likely traumatized by the attack, does not recognize his assailant. This inconsistency opens up several possibilities: a disguise, a blurred memory, or perhaps a deliberate choice by the author to create suspense.

Q-3) Did you experience ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, when exactly did it happen? If no, can you explain why?

Ans:Yes, the story ends beautifully, exemplifying aesthetic delight. The astrologer's eerie knowledge of Guru Nayak's past piques our curiosity, building suspense as we seek answers. The eventual revelation acts as a catharsis, a satisfying moment when the puzzle pieces fit together. This shift from confusion to understanding, coupled with the emotional weight of the hidden past, brings aesthetic delight. It’s the pleasure of seeing the story unfold meaningfully, leaving a lasting impact.

Q-4) Did watching the movie help you better understand the short story?

Ans: While the short story’s straightforward approach makes it easy to grasp on the first read, film adaptations can offer a fresh perspective. They can add depth by bringing the characters and setting to life visually, enriching our understanding of the story and its emotional core, even for works we initially found clear.

Q-5) Was there a particular scene or moment in the story that you found perfect?

Ans: The exchange between Guru Nayak and the astrologer is a perfect example of how dialogue can elevate a story. It’s not just conversation; it encapsulates the entire narrative. This tense interaction captures the story’s central themes: do our stars dictate our fate, or can we forge our own path? Can we truly escape the shadows of our past actions? This charged dialogue forces both the characters and the audience to confront these profound questions. It’s the turning point where suspense peaks. The film’s faithful depiction of this pivotal scene likely enhances the story’s overall impact, drawing viewers deeper into the heart of the conflict.

Q-6) If you were the director, what changes would you make in a remake of the movie based on R.K. Narayan’s short story “An Astrologer’s Day”?

Ans: As the director, I would be tempted to explore an alternative ending with more action. Imagine Guru Nayak, with a flicker of recognition, finally identifying the astrologer as his old foe. This revelation could spark a desire for revenge, steering the narrative in a completely new direction – one of retribution. This twist would change the genre, turning the introspective character study into a thrilling story of settling old scores. 

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/_tygoddU7W8

Themes in "Crime and Punishment"

Role of Parents

In "Crime and Punishment," the role of parents is pivotal, as the actions of the characters are significantly influenced by the freedoms and limitations set by their parents. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, receives considerable freedom from his parents, which contributes to his erratic behavior. His upbringing lacks proper discipline and moral guidance, resulting in reckless decisions. The parents, despite their good intentions, fail to instill essential values and manners in their child.

Role of Teachers

Despite the protagonist's misdeeds, the teacher refrains from taking firm action. Although the teacher once slapped the student, he quickly regretted it, fearing repercussions if the student reported the incident to his parents. The teacher's hesitation to address the student's behavior stems from concern over potential financial instability if the student withdraws from tuition. This reflects the broader issue of teachers often being underpaid and financially vulnerable, which influences their ability to manage student behavior effectively. 

Films Exploring Similar Themes