Short Stories by R.K.NARAYAN

Short Stories : R.K.Narayan

Hello Everyone, This blog is part of the thinking Activity which was aassigned by Megha Ma'am.

R.K.Narayan :-

• Full Name : Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami

• Birth : 10 October 1906 , Madras, Tamil Nadu India 

• Died : 13 May 2001 (age 94) Chennai india 

• Occupation: Writer 

• Genre: Fiction, Mythology and Non-fiction.

• Spouse: Rajam 

• Member of parliament, Rajya sabha

Awards & Honors :

• In 1960 He was awarded Sahitya Akademi award for his novel "The Guide" 

• In 1964 He was awarded Padma Bhushan

• In 1994 the Sahitya Akademi fellowship 

• In 2000 He was awarded Padma Vibhushan

An Astrologer’s Day 

"An Astrologer's Day" is a suspenseful short story by R. K. Narayan. It was first published in a collection by Indian Thought Publications in 1947. This story is also the first chapter of the famous collection "Malgudi Days," which was later turned into a TV series in 2006.

# Read this blog carefully. The blog link is given below. After reading, prepare your blog for this task and share your link here. Click Here

1. How faithful is the movie to the original short story? 

Ans. The short film we watched captured the essence of the story, but, as is often the case with short documentaries, the filmmakers took some liberties to make it more enjoyable and interesting for viewers. Here are a few differences: 

1. The short story gives a detailed description of the astrologer and his belongings, whereas the short film lacks this depth. 

2. In the short story, the astrologer's wife is mentioned but not named; in the film, she is called Usha. 

3.  The short story does not mention the astrologer's child, but in the film, he has a daughter named. 

2. After watching the movie, has your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed? 

Ans. The story was read in the classroom, and its descriptive language allowed us to imagine the scenes clearly. As a result, our perception of the story hasn't changed drastically. Since we already understood the characters, the short film enhanced our understanding by providing a clear image and conveying the story's impact through camera work, music, and atmosphere. 

3. Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain with reasons? 

Ans. No, My perception of the story hasn’t really changed. Since it’s a short story, there isn’t much room for major alterations, just small changes in plot or characters. One thing I’d like to add is that if the astrologer can recognize Guru Nayak after such a long time, why doesn’t Guru Nayak recognize the astrologer? 

4. Does screening of movies help you in better understanding of the short story? 

Ans. Yes,movie screening helps you in better understanding of the short story. The end of the short story, there is a moment of aesthetic delight. This occurs when the astrologer reveals a long-held secret to his wife, creating a sudden shift in emotion. Initially, we are surprised by how much the astrologer knows about Guru Nayak and his past. The surprise element grows as we later learn about their history: they had a quarrel in their youth, during which the astrologer attacked Guru Nayak with a knife. This revelation is a particularly poignant and satisfying moment for me. 

5. Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect? 

Ans. The revelation scene, where the astrologer's true identity is unveiled, is particularly striking. The moment when the wife says that sweets will be made in the house after a long time adds a touching note. Additionally, the story reflects the plight of the poor, who may turn to such professions to survive. 

6. If you are the director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan? 

Ans. If I were directing the film, I would extend the story a bit at the end. For instance, I would have Guru Nayak recognize the astrologer as his old enemy and start plotting revenge. This twist could transform the story into a revenge narrative.

Crime and Punishment :

R.K. Narayan's short story "Crime and Punishment" talks about the moral and social issues in modern Indian society. Story focuses on a young boy named Sekhar, who gets caught cheating during an exam. The main character, a thoughtful school teacher, faces a tough choice: should he punish the boy or try to understand the societal pressures that led him to cheat? In the story  Narayan explores themes like honesty, societal expectations, and the effects of one's actions. The story is simple yet insightful, showcasing human behavior. It highlights the teacher's inner conflict and his ultimate decision to forgive Sekhar, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the difficulties in delivering justice.

😕 Exploring the dynamic Roles of Teacher and Student: Crime and Punishment by R.K. Narayan. 

In R.K. Narayan's "Crime and Punishment," the relationship between a teacher and a student is explored in a vivid and dynamic way. The story starts with a frustrated tutor trying to teach a mischievous boy basic arithmetic. The boy responds with deliberate mistakes, defying the teacher. The teacher, in a moment of anger, slaps the boy, and immediately feels regret and fear of the boy's wealthy and protective parents.

The boy, realizing his power, uses the threat of telling his parents to manipulate the teacher. This change in power shows the teacher's vulnerability as he tries to maintain discipline while also trying to avoid losing his job. The boy's parents, who believe in giving their child complete freedom, make the teacher's job even harder.

As the story continues, the teacher faces a series of humiliations, like playing the role of a Station Master in the boy's game and fixing a toy train he knows nothing about. Each task, and the teacher's reluctant compliance, highlight the shifting power dynamics and the psychological strain on the teacher. The boy's cunning and the teacher's desperation peak in a chase around the garden, symbolizing the teacher's complete loss of control.

In the climax, the teacher faces the boy's parents, who ask about their son's progress. Despite having the chance to tell the truth about the boy's behavior, the teacher chooses to protect the boy, aware of the consequences for both of them. This decision reflects the teacher's empathy and a desire to avoid more conflict, even at the cost of his dignity.

Narayan's story examines power, control, and the complexities of teaching and parenting. The resolution, where the teacher pretends everything is normal to keep the peace, emphasizes the challenging dynamics between authority figures and the children they are supposed to guide.

# Give some suitable examples of movies, novels, short stories, videos, and articles related to the major themes of this story.

😙 Movies :

1. Taare Zameen Par (2007)

This film tells the story of Ishaan, an eight-year-old dyslexic child who struggles in school and is misunderstood by his parents and teachers. His life changes when he meets Ram Shankar Nikumbh, an unconventional art teacher who identifies Ishaan’s condition and helps him overcome his learning difficulties through empathy and creative teaching methods. In the movie we all see the themes of Empathy in education, understanding learning disabilities, the impact of a supportive teacher.

2. Chalk N Duster (2016)

The film focuses on two teachers, Vidya and Jyoti, who work in a school that prioritizes commercial interests over education. They fight against the corrupt management to highlight the importance of teachers and proper educational values. In the movie we all see the themes of  the challenges faced by teachers, commercialization of education, the dedication and passion of teachers.

3. Hichki (2018)

Naina Mathur, who suffers from Tourette syndrome, becomes a teacher at an elite school and is assigned a class of underprivileged students. She faces numerous challenges but eventually wins over her students and helps them achieve their potential. In the movie we all see the themes of Overcoming personal challenges, inclusive education, and the transformative power of a dedicated teacher.

4.Super 30 (2019) 

This biographical film tells the story of Anand Kumar, a brilliant mathematician who starts a coaching program for underprivileged students to prepare them for the IIT entrance exam. Despite numerous obstacles, his dedication and innovative teaching methods help his students succeed. In the movie we all see the themes of  Education for the underprivileged, the impact of a committed teacher, overcoming systemic challenges in education.

😬 Novels :-

1. Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat :

This novel follows the lives of three friends at IIT who struggle with the rigid and demanding education system. Through their journey, it explores the pressures of academic excellence and the importance of balancing studies with personal growth. In the novel we all see the themes  of Academic pressure, student life, and the impact of the education system on students.

2. Swami and Friends by R.K. Narayan :

The novel focuses on the mischievous and imaginative Swami and his friends in a small South Indian town. It highlights the interactions between Swami and his teachers, showcasing the educational environment of the time. In the novel we all see the themes  of Childhood, student-teacher relationships, the simplicity of school life in pre-independence India.

Presentation :

An Introductory presentation on R. K. Narayan | Indian Writing in English from KhushiRathod39