Short Stories | R. K. Narayan
Hello everyone, 😊
This blog is part of a thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am, where I'll try to compare a short story called "An Astrologer's Day" with a short film. Additionally, I'll explore the themes of crime and punishment.
About R. K. Narayan:
R.K. Narayan, whose full name is Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayan Swami, was an acclaimed Indian writer known for his novels set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. Along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao, he is one of the pioneering figures in early Indian literature in English, helping to bring this genre to a global audience. His first novel, "Swami and Friends," was published in 1935.
Narayan was mentored by the famous writer Graham Greene, who played a crucial role in finding publishers for Narayan’s first four books. These included the semi-autobiographical trilogy "Swami and Friends," "The Bachelor of Arts," and "The English Teacher."
Narayan is also known for his works "The Financial Expert" (1951) and "The Guide," which won the Sahitya Akademi Award and was adapted into a successful Hindi film. He has often been compared to William Faulkner for creating a fictional town that reflects real life, full of humor and the vibrancy of everyday life.
An Astrologer's Day by R.K. Narayan:
"An Astrologer's Day" is a short story by R.K. Narayan, one of the notable pre-independence writers. Narayan is famous for creating the fictional town of Malgudi in Indian English literature, similar to Hardy's Wessex and William Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha. One major theme in Narayan's work is the exploration of prevalent superstition in India.
This theme is also explored in this short story. It tells the story of a day in the life of an astrologer. He is a fake astrologer who turned to this profession to escape his guilt. The astrologer does this job to earn his bread and butter.
The story highlights the superstitious side of Indian society and the psychological approach of astrologers. In the end, the astrologer finds relief from his past through the unexpected revelation about Guru Nayak.
Now, let's dive into some questions that compare the short story and the short film.
Q) How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
The short film we watched captured the essence of the story, but filmmakers often make changes to make it more enjoyable and interesting. This short film had some differences from the original story, which are listed below.
The short story provides a deeper description of the astrologer and his belongings, whereas the short film lacks this detail. In the short story, the astrologer's wife is mentioned but not named, while in the film she is referred to as Usha. Similarly, the astrologer’s child is named in the film, whereas the story does not provide this detail.
So we can say that the short film is faithful to the original story, as it mentions at the beginning that it is an adaptation of Narayan's work. However, some changes have been made in the film.
Q) After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?
Since we read the story in class and imagined it based on its language, my perception hasn't changed much. The film did make some changes, like adding extra details, but it provided a clear visual representation and helped us feel the real struggle of the characters. Despite these changes, it didn’t drastically alter my understanding of the story or its characters.
Q) Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If no, can you explain with reasons?
Yes, I did feel an aesthetic delight while watching the movie. This happened towards the end, when the astrologer reveals his long-hidden secret to his wife. Initially, we are surprised by how much the astrologer knows about Guru Nayak and his past. It’s only later that we learn about their troubled history and the astrologer's past attack on Guru Nayak with a knife. This revelation creates a powerful emotional shift and adds a layer of mystery.
The story’s structure—its beginning, middle, climax, and resolution—builds up to this moment, evoking a deep emotional response. Although this kind of revelation is common in stories, Narayan’s approach effectively maintains the story's impact and provides a strong sense of aesthetic delight.
Q) Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?
Yes, the movie enhanced my understanding of the short story, especially the astrologer's past. The camera work effectively used black-and-white frames to show the past and the quarrel between Guru Nayak and the astrologer. While the short story is straightforward and easy to grasp on the first read, the film adds an extra layer of depth to the literary work. Watching such adaptations is always beneficial for a richer understanding of the story.
Q) Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?
Yes, I think there’s one scene that effectively connects the audience with the astrologer’s past. The most striking moment is when the astrologer’s true identity is revealed, especially when his wife mentions making sweets at home after a long time. This scene not only uncovers the astrologer’s past but also poignantly highlights the struggles of the poor who turn to such professions to survive.
Q) If you are 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?
If I were directing the film, I’d give it a contemporary makeover. Picture the astrologer using the internet to run his business, deceiving people through online platforms rather than relying on traditional methods. This modern approach would reflect how technology can be used to manipulate others in today’s world.
I’d also show his wife working hard at a small business to help support the family, portraying her as an essential and active part of their lives. Instead of being just a background character, she would be depicted as someone who contributes significantly to their financial stability.
In this updated version, the astrologer's child would play a crucial role. The child discovers the truth about the astrologer’s past and confronts him about it. This revelation would lead to a powerful, emotional moment where the astrologer faces his past mistakes and experiences a profound change. This subplot would add depth to the story, highlighting themes of redemption and personal growth.
Crime and Punishment:
R.K. Narayan’s short story looks at the relationship between students and teachers. Even though it was written some time ago, it’s still very relevant today. The story features a troublesome student who doesn’t want to study and takes advantage of his parents, who have raised him in a very relaxed environment.
At the start of the story, the teacher asks the student a simple math question—sixteen multiplied by three. The student intentionally gives the wrong answer. When the teacher slaps him in frustration, the student threatens to tell his parents, using this to his advantage. He even forces the teacher to play with him, knowing the teacher fears losing him as a student if his parents find out.
At the end of the story, the boy’s parents visit the teacher while the boy plays in the garden. When they ask the teacher about the boy’s progress, the teacher makes up a story, saying the boy has finished his studies and is now free to play. Instead of telling the truth, he chooses to remain passive. The story doesn’t give clear moral lessons; instead, it leaves it up to readers to interpret the meaning themselves.
The Effect of Parenting on the Child’s Behavior:
In the story, the parents play a crucial role because their actions shape the boy's behavior. They give him excessive freedom, leading to his reckless actions. The boy seems very pampered, and whenever his parents interact with the teacher, they lecture him about child psychology. However, if they had truly understood and applied these concepts, the situation might have been different. It appears that the parents have failed to instill proper manners and morals in their child.
The Teacher's Influence and Challenges:
The teacher’s role is also significant. Although he does slap the boy for misbehaving, he regrets it afterward and is concerned about the potential fallout if the boy tells his parents. Ideally, the teacher should have informed the parents about the boy's behavior, but he refrains from doing so to avoid losing the student. Given that teachers today often face financial challenges despite their qualifications, the teacher’s hesitation is understandable. He chooses to protect himself from financial strain by not reporting the misbehavior.
Exploring the Dynamic Roles of Teacher and Student:
The relationship between teachers and students is complex and varies with age and developmental stages. Teachers play a critical role as mentors who help students transition from the safety of their homes into the wider world. This relationship is essential for student development, as teachers guide students in acquiring knowledge, creativity, critical thinking skills, and a broader perspective on life.
In R.K. Narayan's story, the teacher’s attempt to shield the student from his parents’ anger illustrates the delicate balance between guiding and disciplining. The story explores how teachers navigate this balance while trying to maintain a positive influence on their students. This theme is also reflected in films like Taare Zameen Par, Super 30, Hichki, and Black, which highlight the profound impact that effective teaching and mentoring can have on students' lives. These films depict how a good teacher can inspire and transform students, underscoring the importance of their role in shaping young minds.
Movies that Explore Student & Teacher Relationship:
Paathshaala (2010):
Paathshaala, directed by Ahmed Khan and released in 2010, offers an insightful examination of the student-teacher relationship, shedding light on the challenges and pressures experienced by both parties within the modern educational system. The film centers around Sameer (played by Shahid Kapoor), a young and idealistic teacher who joins a school with the goal of making a positive difference. However, he quickly finds himself entangled in the rigid expectations of the educational system, which prioritizes academic results over holistic student development.
One of the central themes of Paathshaala is the intense pressure placed on students to achieve high academic scores. This pressure comes from multiple sources, including the school's administration and the students' parents. The film portrays how this relentless focus on grades leads to significant stress and anxiety, overshadowing the students' genuine learning experiences.
The character of Sameer embodies the teacher’s dilemma in this environment. He is caught between adhering to the traditional methods imposed by the school and his desire to adopt a more progressive, student-centered approach. His struggle reflects the broader challenges faced by educators who wish to create supportive and nurturing learning environments but are constrained by systemic pressures.
In addition to depicting student struggles with academic pressure and parental expectations, Paathshaala also highlights the role of parents in shaping their children's educational experiences. The film shows how high parental expectations contribute to the stress students experience and how these expectations sometimes conflict with the realities of the educational system.
Ultimately, Paathshaala advocates for educational reform, suggesting that the system should focus on the overall development of students rather than solely on academic achievements. The film calls for a more balanced approach that addresses students' emotional and psychological needs alongside their academic growth. By portraying the difficulties faced by both students and teachers, Paathshaala encourages viewers to reconsider traditional educational practices and supports the need for a more empathetic and holistic approach to teaching and learning.
Taare Zameen Par (2007):
Taare Zameen Par (2007) is a celebrated Hindi film that delves into the student-teacher relationship by portraying an ideal teacher. The story follows Ishan Awasthi, a boy struggling with dyslexia and facing criticism from his father. Sent to a boarding school, Ishan’s teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, discovers his learning disability and uses creative, empathetic methods to help him overcome his difficulties. The film highlights how understanding and individualized support from a teacher can profoundly impact a student’s confidence and learning journey.
Hichki (2018):
Hichki (2018) is a powerful film that highlights the dedication of a teacher in transforming students' lives. The story revolves around Naina Mathur, a teacher with a speech disorder called Tourette Syndrome, which causes involuntary verbal outbursts. Despite facing criticism and skepticism from others because of her condition, Naina remains committed to her role and passionately works to connect with her students.
Her unique challenges do not deter her; instead, they drive her to find innovative and engaging ways to teach. Through her unwavering commitment and creativity, she inspires her students and makes learning interesting for them. Naina’s dedication helps her students overcome their own obstacles, and she successfully creates a positive and motivating classroom environment. Hichki beautifully showcases how a teacher's perseverance and genuine care can profoundly impact students' attitudes towards education and their personal growth.
Conclusion:
We also shifted gears to talk about the themes in "Crime and Punishment," focusing on how parents and teachers impact a child's behavior. We explored the challenges they face and looked at how movies like "Hichki," "Taare Zameen Par," and "Paathshaala" delve into these themes.
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