In this presentation, I'll be uncovering the manipulation tactics used by the astrologer in R.K. Narayan's 'An Astrologer's Day.' I'll walk you through the clever methods he employs to deceive his clients and decode the secrets behind his tricks.
2. Name: Bhavyata Kukadiya
Roll No: 4 Enrollment No: 4069206420220018
Sem: 3
Paper Name: Indian English Literature - Pre Independence
Paper Number: 201 Code : 22406
Topic: Decoding Manipulation:The Astrologer’s Tricks in
‘An Astrologer’s Day’ by R.K.Narayan
Submitted to:Smt S.B Gardi ,Department of English, M.K.B.U.
E- mail: bhavyatakukadiya@gmail.com
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4. R.K. Narayan
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayan was born on 10 October 1906 in
his grandfather's home in Madras.one of the finest Indian authors
of his generation writing in English.was a celebrated Indian author
who left a lasting literary legacy. Over a career spanning from the
1930s to the 1990s, he crafted a wide range of works, including
novels, short stories, travel books, and essays. Narayan's writing
journey encompassed significant periods of Indian history, from
British rule to post-independence nation-building. His characters
spanned various societal roles and his themes delved into
education, women's status, destiny, and the interplay of tradition
and modernity. His writing style varied from simple realism to
subtle irony, often incorporating traditional myths and fables.
Narayan's early years, influenced by his grandmother and a
maternal uncle, contributed to his unique storytelling perspective.
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5. Brief Introduction
● The story unfolds in the pre-independence era in Malgudi, a South Indian town.
● An ordinary but fake astrologer conducts his business daily and donning traditional
attire
● Despite having little knowledge of astrology, he successfully manipulates clients.
● The astrologer harbors a dark past and escaped his native village to avoid his
family's traditional farming occupation.
● A customer confronts the astrologer with a challenge: answer his questions
accurately and receive eight annas; fail, and pay sixteen annas.
● The astrologer, although not wanting to, agrees to the challenge. He surprises the
customer by correctly telling him about his difficult past and revealing that he was
the person who almost killed him.
● The astrologer reveals that he once led a wayward life, including a violent incident
with the customer. He left his village
● The story shows that life can be full of surprises, and people can change, even if
they seem normal or dishonest at first..
● This narrative portrays a complex character's journey from a fake astrologer to a
redeemed individual. It reveals how unexpected twists and turns can alter one's
destiny and offers a critical view of deception and personal transformation. 4
6. Character Analysis of Astrologer
● The main character is the astrologer, who isn't a real
astrologer but poses as one without any knowledge of
astrology.
● He deceives his customers through his fake
appearance and the use of figurative language
associated with astrology.
● One day, he encounters a man he thought he had
killed in a village dispute years ago. This man seeks
revenge but doesn't recognize the astrologer.
● The astrologer manages to convince the man that the
person he's seeking is already dead in an accident.
● This false information brings relief and satisfaction to
both of them.
● The astrologer has been burdened by the belief that
he killed the villager, and the villager was seeking
revenge against him.
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8. Comparative Analysis
Similarities:
● Both the astrologers focus on
their clients.
● Both the astrologers use
astrological tools.
Differences:
● Contemporary astrologers use digital technology,
social media, and video calls. The astrologer in the
story relies on face-to-face interactions.
● The story's astrologer uses a rudimentary setup in
a marketplace, whereas contemporary astrologers
utilize advanced software and online platforms.
● Contemporary astrologers often use computer-
generated natal charts to offer clients detailed
information about their birth charts.
9. Client’s Beliefs and Motivation
● Astrology is a very big business worldwide, worth billions of dollars.
● In India, it's even more popular and keeps growing because of technology.
● Many people in India believe in superstitions.
● The astrologer quickly becomes skilled in the trade, understanding what
his clients want to hear.
● c
● His questions are straightforward, and he acts like he knows everything.
● Many people in India are superstitious and act irrationally.
● They believe that the stars and planets in the sky can influence their
fortune.
● Because of these beliefs, some who practice astrology, numerology,
palmistry, and similar things can trick people into giving them money.
10. References
Alam, Fakrul. “R. K. Narayan | Databases Explored.” Gale, 2006, https://www.gale.com/intl/databases-explored/literature/r-k-narayan#top . Accessed 14
October 2023.
Kumar, Dr. Pradeep. “Politeness strategies in R. K. Narayan's 'An Astrologer's Day': A discourse analysis perspective.” IJELS, International Journal of English
Literature and Social Sciences Vol-7, Issue-6;, Nov-Dec, 2022, https://ijels.com/upload_document/issue_files/9IJELS-11120229-Politeness.pdf . Accessed
16 October 2023.
Kumar, Naveen. “';;.'” ';;' - YouTube, THINK INDIA, 9 March 2019, https://thinkindiaquarterly.org/index.php/think-india/article/view/10491/6205 . Accessed 16
October 2023.
.Patel, Ramesh B. “Research Scholar.” Research Scholar, Research scholar An International Refereed e-Journal of Literary Explorations, May 2015,
https://researchscholar.co.in/downloads/64-ramesh-b.patel.pdf . Accessed 16
October 2023.
“South Asian writers in English.” WorldCat, 2006, https://www.worldcat.org/title/south-asian-writers-in-english/oclc/320302529. Accessed 14 October 2023.
https://www.worldcat.org/title/south-asian-writers-in-english/oclc/320302529
