Short Stories by R. K. Narayan
About Author :
- Name: R.K. Narayan
- Full Name: Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami
- Early Life and Background: R.K. Narayan was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai), India. He belonged to a Tamil Brahmin family.
- Literary Career: He is best known for his works of fiction, especially his novels and short stories. His writing career spanned several decades, and he is considered one of the pioneers of Indian English literature.
- Malgudi: Many of Narayan's stories are set in the fictional town of Malgudi, which he created. Malgudi is a microcosm of India, and it features in numerous novels and stories, including "Swami and Friends," "The Guide," and "The Bachelor of Arts."
- Notable Works: Some of his most famous works include:
"Swami and Friends" (1935): His debut novel, which is a coming-of-age story set in British India.
"The Guide" (1958): This novel is one of his most celebrated works and was made into a successful Bollywood film.
"The Vendor of Sweets"(1967): This novel explores the generational clash between tradition and modernity.
- Writing Style: Narayan's writing style is characterized by simplicity, humor, and a keen observation of everyday life. He often portrayed the common people and their ordinary, yet compelling, stories.
- Awards and Honors: R.K. Narayan received several awards during his lifetime, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan. His contribution to literature was widely recognized, and he remains a highly respected figure in the Indian literary world.
- Legacy: R.K. Narayan's work has had a profound influence on Indian literature and has been widely read both in India and around the world. His novels and stories continue to be studied in schools and universities.
- Personal Life: Narayan was a private individual and led a quiet life. He was married to Rajam, with whom he had a daughter named Hema.
- Death: R.K. Narayan passed away on May 13, 2001, in Chennai, India. His death marked the end of an era in Indian literature.
- Adaptations: Many of his works have been adapted into films and television series. "Guide," in particular, became a critically acclaimed Bollywood film starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.
Crime and Punishment
What is in the story 'Crime and Punishment'? :
 |
The short story "Crime and Punishment" by R.K. Narayan presents a humorous and somewhat satirical tale of a smart but mischievous boy and his interactions with his teacher and parents.
In R.K. Narayan's short story "Crime and Punishment," the author offers a witty and satirical portrayal of a clever but mischievous young boy, his teacher, and his well-intentioned yet unconventional parents. The story revolves around the boy's aversion to studying, which is met with his parents' desire for him to receive a double promotion to the first form in school.
When the boy intentionally provides a wrong answer to his teacher's question, the frustrated teacher impulsively slaps the boy. The child begins to cry and promptly threatens to report the punishment to his parents, who are staunchly against any form of discipline. They adhere to a unique approach based on child psychology, treating their son as if he were exceptionally delicate.
The teacher, who receives a monthly fee for tutoring the boy, reluctantly succumbs to the parents' beliefs. The boy takes advantage of this situation, manipulating the teacher into abandoning lessons and playing with him instead. However, their playtime becomes absurd when the boy insists the teacher become a station master managing a toy train. When the toy train inevitably malfunctions, the boy threatens to expose the earlier punishment to his parents.
As a result, the teacher must chase after the boy. When they meet the parents, they inquire about their son's academic progress. The boy pleads with the teacher not to betray him, and out of fear, the teacher fabricates that the boy is excelling in his studies and that they are engaged in playful activities to uplift his spirits.
In this comical narrative, Narayan subtly satirizes the education system, child psychology principles, and the intricate dynamics of teacher-student relationships, where the teacher's initial punishment becomes the "crime" in the eyes of the boy, leading to a role reversal in the story. This clever tale highlights the humorous contradictions in educational practices and the behavior of teachers and parents.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Corporal Punishment ?
Advantages:
- Immediate Discipline: Provides immediate discipline and obedience in the child.
- Academic Excellence: Can help students excel in academics.
- Reinforces Positive Behavior: Reinforces positive behavior when used judiciously.
- Self-Realization: Encourages students to realize their mistakes.
- Deters Misbehavior: Acts as a deterrent, reminding the child of physical discomfort when they break rules.
- Prevents Undesirable Traits: Helps in preventing the development of undesirable character traits.
- Antisocial Behavior: Can lead to antisocial behavior in the long term.
- Mental Distress: Creates mental distress and hinders a child's emotional growth.
- Against Self-Discipline: Opposes the concept of self-discipline and personal growth.
- Damages Relationships: Harms the teacher-student relationship.
- School Dropouts: May result in students dropping out of school.
- Human Rights Violation: Is considered a violation of human rights.
- Promotes Violence: Conveys the message that violence is an acceptable solution for conflicts and misconduct.
The Alternatives to Corporal Punishment in schools in a list of points:
- Encourage self-reflection.
- Teach values and ethics.
- Create a positive learning environment.
- Foster positive teacher-student relationships.
- Offer positive reinforcement.
- Provide life-skill education for interpersonal skills and problem-solving.
Psychological Works:
Developmental Psychology: wiki/Developmental_psychology
The field of developmental psychology, particularly the works of Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, explores the psychological development of children, including their understanding of rules and consequences.
B.F. Skinner's research on operant conditioning provides insights into how rewards and punishments can shape behavior.
A list of movies on child psychology:
Hollywood:
- "The Sixth Sense" (1999)
- "Room" (2015)
- "A Beautiful Mind" (2001)
- "Matilda" (1996)
- "Good Will Hunting" (1997)
- "Taare Zameen Par" (2007)
- "Stanley Ka Dabba" (2011)
- "Makdee" (2002)
- "Hey Ram" (2000)
- "Bhoothnath" (2008)
- "Udaan" (2010)
I have prepared a video on "Udaan" in the Context of Film Study.
- The link of the movie is in YT Description Box.
Novels:
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding:
This classic novel explores the psychological effects on a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island, depicting the breakdown of societal norms and the emergence of primal instincts.
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger:
The novel delves into the troubled mind of Holden Caulfield, a teenage protagonist, as he grapples with the challenges of growing up, identity, and alienation.
"We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver:
The book examines the psychological complexities of motherhood as it revolves around a mother's reflections on her son's life, particularly his involvement in a tragic school shooting.
"Room" by Emma Donoghue:
This novel is narrated by a five-year-old boy who has never experienced the outside world, exploring his unique perspective on confinement, resilience, and the bond between mother and child.
"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd:
Set in the 1960s, the book features a young girl, Lily Owens, who runs away from an abusive home in search of her mother's past. The story explores themes of resilience and healing.
"Defending Jacob" by William Landay:
This legal thriller revolves around a lawyer whose teenage son is accused of murder, delving into the impact of the accusation on the family's psychological well-being.
"Room for a Stranger" by Melanie Cheng:
This novel focuses on the unlikely friendship between an elderly woman and a young international student, examining the interplay of different generations and cultures.
"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper:
A young adult novel that portrays the story of Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy, and her fight to be heard and understood.
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne:
Set during the Holocaust, the novel follows the innocent friendship between a Jewish boy in a concentration camp and the son of a Nazi officer, offering a child's perspective on a dark historical period.
"The Room on the Roof" by Ruskin Bond:
This coming-of-age novel features Rusty, a young boy who runs away from his strict guardian to experience freedom and adventure, reflecting the psychology of adolescence and rebellion.
An Astrologer's Day
Short story by R. K. Narayan
"An Astrologer's Day" is a short story by R.K. Narayan featuring three main characters: the astrologer, his customer, and the astrologer's wife. The astrologer, although a charlatan without real astrological knowledge, lures customers with his mystic appearance. When a skeptical man challenges him, a bet is made on the accuracy of his predictions. In a surprising twist, the astrologer astounds the man by revealing details about a murder victim. The man, named Guru Nayak, had sought revenge against the man he believed tried to kill him. However, the astrologer reveals that the supposed victim died in a lorry accident. This unexpected revelation relieves Guru Nayak and leaves the astrologer with a handful of coins. The story masterfully incorporates atmosphere, characterization, suspense, and irony, highlighting Narayan's skill in storytelling.
How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
The movie is quite faithful to the original short story. It captures the characters, dialogues, expressions, and plot well, with about 80% similarity to the text.
After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?
Yes, watching the movie changed some perspectives. The movie provides a more defined ending compared to the text. It also alters our perception of the characters, particularly in their appearance and style of communication.
Do you feel 'aesthetic delight' while watching the movie? If yes, when did it happen? If no, can you explain with reasons?
I experienced aesthetic delight during a scene where a matchstick is lit. This moment was thrilling as it signified that the astrologer realized he was answering questions posed by himself.
Does screening of the movie help you in better understanding of the short story?
Yes, the movie screening enhances our understanding of the story by conveying character expressions, appearances, and themes more clearly.
Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?
There's a perfect scene in the movie where the astrologer uncovers the customer's past through a series of questions. It closely aligns with the original text and adds to the story's intrigue.
If you were the director, what changes would you make in remaking the movie based on the short story 'An Astrologer's Day' by R.K. Narayan?
If I were the director, I'd make minor changes, like updating the setting and character names to introduce a touch of modernity while staying faithful to the original story.
No comments:
Post a Comment