This Blog is an Assignment of Paper no.201, Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence. In this assignment, I am dealing with the topic 'A study of the character and characteristics of R. K. Narayan's short stories'.
Academic Information
- Name: Rajeshvariba Rana
- Roll No: 16
- Semester: 3 (Batch 2022-24)
- Enrolment number: 4069206420220023
- Paper No: 201
- Paper name: Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence
- Paper code: 22406
- Topic: 'A study of the character and characteristics of R. K. Narayan's short stories'
- Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi, Department of English, MKBU
- Email Address: rhrana148@gmail.com
- Submission Date: 27th Nov 2023
'A study of the character and characteristics of R. K. Narayan's short stories'
Introduction:
R. K. Narayan, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian literature, left an indelible mark with his insightful and vivid portrayal of characters. His literary canvas is adorned with a rich tapestry of individuals who encapsulate the complexities of human nature. Whether idealists dreaming of a better world, practical individuals navigating the challenges of reality, sentimentalists driven by emotion, or humble servants silently witnessing the unfolding dramas, Narayan's characters breathe life into his stories. This essay embarks on a journey to explore the multifaceted characters that populate Narayan's works, each contributing to the charm and enduring appeal of his storytelling.
The basic essence of R. K. Narayan's work lies in his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life in a small South Indian town, often embodied in his fictional town of Malgudi. While he doesn't delve extensively into complex psychological analyses, Narayan's stories are rich in insights into human behavior, relationships, and the human condition.
Narayan’s characters suffer from obsessions, desires, and hatred or they fall into passivity, but they never deeply examine the causes of their emotions or try to will their feelings towards an effective purpose. Narayan brilliantly portrays a representative Indian who lives from moment to moment without a thought of the future and without the ability to analyze and therefore understand his own behavior or destiny. His portraits are comic rather than satiric. If Narayan is a skeptic, a sophisticated insider laughing at the foibles of self-deceiving Indians, he also allows for the possibility that such apparently purposeless lives may be divinely influenced.
Here are some key aspects that contribute to the essence of R. K. Narayan's work:
Realism and Humor:
Narayan's narratives are rooted in a realistic portrayal of middle-class life in India. His stories often feature ordinary people dealing with everyday challenges, and he brings out the humor in these situations. The humor in his works is gentle and often arises from the idiosyncrasies of his characters.
Characterization:
Narayan excels in creating memorable characters with distinct personalities. Each character, whether major or minor, is carefully developed, and readers can relate to their struggles, aspirations, and quirks.
Narayan's minor characters are more assertive than many of his major characters. In the few precious moments allowed to them, they act their part exceedingly well. With the deft strokes of a clever artist, Narayan creates living and breathing characters that haunt our memory long after we have finished reading his stories.
Narayan's sympathy is extended even toward the dumb animals, birds, and insects. A rat, a monkey, a snake, an elephant, dogs, squirrels, parrots, and a tiger.
Children in his stories are playful, innocent, intelligent, resourceful and mischievous. They are against conventional discipline and hence often ill-treated by superior parental or educational authority.
Crime and Punishment is the short story of R. K. Narayan a poor teacher, ambitious parents, and a naughty child with a below-average ability. For only thirty rupees a month the teacher patiently puts up with the lectures on child psychology delivered almost every day by educated parents.
Cultural Context:
His works provide a window into the social and cultural fabric of India, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. He explores the customs, traditions, and societal norms of his time, giving readers a sense of the cultural context in which his stories unfold.
Simplicity of Language:
Narayan's writing style is marked by simplicity and clarity. He uses straightforward language to convey profound ideas and emotions. This accessibility makes his works relatable to a wide audience.
Exploration of Morality and Ethics:
Many of Narayan's stories touch upon ethical dilemmas and moral choices faced by his characters. He explores the consequences of these choices with a keen eye for the human predicament.
Sense of Place:
The setting of Malgudi is almost a character in itself. Narayan's detailed descriptions of the town, its streets, and its landmarks contribute to the overall ambiance of his stories.
Observation of Human Relationships:
Narayan's narratives often revolve around human relationships, whether familial, romantic, or social. He examines the complexities of these relationships with a mixture of warmth and irony.
The basic essence of R. K. Narayan's work can be found in his insightful observations of human behavior, his portrayal of ordinary life with humor and compassion, and his ability to create a vivid and authentic world that reflects the cultural and social milieu of his time.
Narayan's main characters can be sorted into these types.
In R. K. Narayan's short stories, characters often embody distinct characteristics that can be categorized as idealists, practical individuals, sentimentalists, and servants. Let's explore these characteristics in more detail:
Idealists:
Idealist characters in Narayan's stories are often dreamers and visionaries. They have lofty goals and aspirations, and they believe in the goodness of the world. These characters may pursue their ideals despite facing challenges and obstacles.
Example: Swami in "Swami and Friends" is an idealistic schoolboy who dreams of adventures and heroic deeds. His idealism is portrayed through his imagination and desire for a perfect world.
Practical Individuals:
Practical characters are grounded in reality. They focus on tangible outcomes and often make decisions based on practical considerations. These characters may exhibit pragmatism and a realistic approach to life.
Example: Margayya in "The Financial Expert" is a practical character who navigates the complexities of financial success in a pragmatic manner. His decisions are driven by a desire for material wealth and financial stability.
Sentimentalists:
Sentimental characters are driven by emotions and strong feelings. They may be deeply connected to their personal relationships and often make decisions based on sentiment rather than practicality. These characters can be nostalgic and sensitive.
Example: Raju in "The Guide" is a sentimental character whose actions are often influenced by his emotional attachments. His relationships with Rosie and others showcase his sentimental nature, leading to both joy and sorrow.
Servants:
Servant characters in Narayan's stories often play important roles in the narrative. They may serve as witnesses to the events unfolding in the story, providing insights into the lives of the main characters. They may also embody loyalty and simplicity.
Example: Thanappa in "The Vendor of Sweets" is a servant character who works for Jagan, the protagonist. Thanappa's interactions with Jagan and his observations contribute to the development of the storyline.
R. K. Narayan uses these character types to explore various aspects of human nature and society. The interplay between idealists, practical individuals, sentimentalists, and servants adds depth and complexity to his narratives, allowing readers to connect with a diverse range of personalities and perspectives.
Let's delve into the character study of key characters in R. K. Narayan's "An Astrologer's Day."
"An Astrologer's Day" by R. K. Narayan is a captivating short story that unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling Indian market. The narrative centers around an astrologer who, in reality, is a criminal in disguise. Narayan skillfully weaves together elements of fatalism, fortune-telling, human psychology, and the consequences of one's past actions. This essay aims to delve into the key themes, characters, and plot intricacies of the story, providing a comprehensive analysis of Narayan's narrative prowess.
The Astrologer
The astrologer is the central character of the story. He is a complex individual who, despite lacking genuine astrological knowledge, successfully disguises himself as a mystic capable of foretelling the future. He presents a colorful and attractive facade, painting his forehead with sacred ash and vermilion, wearing a saffron-colored turban, and employing various props.
Character Traits:
Deceptive:
The astrologer deceives people by posing as an astrologer, even though he initially had no intention of pursuing this profession.
Practical:
He adapts to his circumstances, using his understanding of human psychology to provide answers that please and astonish his customers.
Hypocritical:
Despite his lack of astrological knowledge, he successfully identifies a stranger's past, showcasing his hypocritical nature.
The Stranger
The stranger is a mysterious character who challenges the astrologer's abilities. He becomes a pivotal figure in the story, forcing the astrologer to confront his own deceit and revealing a hidden past.
Character Traits:
Persistent:
The stranger persistently challenges the astrologer, insisting on testing his skills and demanding satisfactory answers.
Surprising:
His reaction to the astrologer's revelations about his own past is unexpected, displaying a nuanced and surprising emotional response.
Thanappa (Minor Character)
Thanappa is a minor character who works for the astrologer. While he does not play a central role, his presence adds a layer to the narrative.
Character Traits:
Observant:
Thanappa observes the astrologer's interactions with customers, providing a sense of the astrologer's routine and the dynamics of his profession.
Loyal:
His loyalty to the astrologer is evident in his assistance and support, highlighting a sense of camaraderie.
The Astrologer's Wife
While the astrologer's wife does not appear directly in the story, she is referenced in the astrologer's confession at the end.
Character Traits:
Supportive:
The astrologer's mention of his wife suggests a supportive relationship, and he expresses relief in being able to share his burdens with her.
Character Dynamics and Relationships:
The astrologer's relationship with his customers is transactional, built on the illusion of mysticism and his ability to provide comforting answers.
The stranger's challenging presence disrupts the astrologer's routine and exposes his deceptive practices.
The story explores the internal conflict within the astrologer as he grapples with his past, leading to a confession that offers a glimpse into his emotional state.
Overall, the characters in "An Astrologer's Day" contribute to the narrative's exploration of deception, fate, and the complex interplay between appearance and reality. The story masterfully uses these characters to unravel layers of the human psyche in a short yet impactful narrative.
Conclusion:
In the realm of R. K. Narayan's literary creations, characters stand as the heart and soul of his narratives. From the bustling streets of Malgudi to the intricacies of human relationships, Narayan's characters are not mere figments of imagination but rather reflections of the diverse facets of humanity. Through the lens of idealists, practical minds, sentimental hearts, and the silent observers, Narayan crafts stories that resonate with universal truths. As we navigate the nuanced lives of his characters, we glimpse the essence of the human condition and the timeless relevance of Narayan's storytelling prowess. In the realm of his fiction, characters become vessels through which we explore, reflect, and connect with the perennial truths embedded in the narratives of R. K. Narayan.
(Word Count 1877, Images 02)
Works Cited
TRIVEDI, H. C., and N. C. SONI. “Short Stories of R.K. Narayan.” Indian Literature, vol. 16, no. 3/4, 1973, pp. 165–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24157228. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023.
NAZ, FARHA, and NAMRATA. “THE SHORT STORIES OF R.K. NARAYAN: A STUDY CHARACTER.” Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL), vol. 5, no. 3, 2017 (July-Sept), p. 7, http://www.rjelal.com/5.3.17a/529-535%20FARHA%20NAZ.pdf. Accessed 25 Nov 2023.
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