AN ASTROLOGERS DAY

(Click on The Title for YouTube Video)


AN ASTROLOGERS DAY

                                                    (Click on The Title for YouTube Video)

R. K. Narayan (1906 to 2001) Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami was one of the best known novelists among Indian English writers. He is the author of fourteen novels, five volumes of short stories, and a number of travelogues, and has a collection of non-fiction to his credit. He also wrote his memoir 'My Days' (1975). Narayan created the imaginary town of Malgudi, where realistic characters in a typically Indian setting lived amid unpredictable events. His stories are grounded in compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life. His stories are characterized by a simple style and subtle humour. 

Narayan was introduced to American readers in 1952 by the Michigan State University Press. These include, 'Swami and Friends', 'The Bachelor of Arts' (1937), 'The Dark Room' (1938), 'An Astrologer's Day and Other stories (1947), 'Mr Sampath (1949), 'The Financial Expert' (1954), 'Waiting for the Mahatma' (1955), 'The Guide' (1958), and many other books. 

His novel, The Guide', won him The Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961, the most coveted literary honour in India. His writing is distinguished by humour and unoffending irony, a unique Indianness and a simplicity which is utterly charming and authentic. Narayan typically portrays the peculiarities of human relationships and the ironies of Indian daily life. His style is graceful, marked by genial humour, elegance and simplicity. 

SUMMARY OF THE LESSON:
 Summary of "An Astrologer's Day" by R.K. Narayan:
1. Setting: The story takes place in a busy marketplace in a small town in India.
2. Main Character: The protagonist is an astrologer who sets up his practice under a tamarind tree, using his astrological tools and a sense of theatrics to attract customers.
3. Appearance: The astrologer wears a turban, a saffron-colored robe, and has a dark mustache, presenting an aura of wisdom and mystery.
4. Business Method: He uses common sense and keen observation rather than genuine astrological knowledge to give advice, making vague statements that often resonate with his clients.
5. Surprise Visitor: One evening, as he prepares to wrap up, a stranger approaches him and challenges his abilities, demanding specific answers.
6. Astrologer’s Strategy:  The astrologer recognizes the stranger in the dim light but pretends not to know him. He agrees to answer the stranger's questions for a higher fee.
7. Revelation: Through their conversation, it is revealed that the stranger, Guru Nayak, is seeking revenge on a man who had wronged him years ago.
8. Astrologer's Confession: The astrologer realizes that he himself is the man Guru Nayak is seeking. He tells Guru Nayak that the man he is looking for is dead, effectively ending Guru Nayak's quest for revenge.
9. Climax: Guru Nayak, satisfied with the answer, leaves the marketplace, unaware of the astrologer’s true identity.
10. Astrologer's Relief: The astrologer returns home, relieved that his secret is safe and that he has escaped potential retribution.
11. Background Story: It is revealed that the astrologer had a violent past and had fled his village after leaving Guru Nayak for dead in a drunken brawl. His new life as an astrologer was a way to escape his past.
12. Conclusion: The story ends with the astrologer reflecting on his narrow escape and the irony of his situation, highlighting themes of fate, identity, and the human tendency to seek closure.





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