Student Question
In "An Astrologer's Day," how does the astrologer notice the man and how does he welcome him?
He picked up his cowrie shells and paraphernalia and was putting them back into his bags when the green shaft of light was blotted out; he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him. He sensed a possible client and said: 'you look so careworn. It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat with me.'
Quick answer:
In "An Astrologer's Day," the astrologer notices the man when a green shaft of light is blotted out, causing him to look up and see the man standing before him. Sensing a potential client, the astrologer welcomes him by commenting on his careworn appearance and suggesting he sit down and chat. Despite initial reluctance, the man eventually agrees to the astrologer's services after negotiating the payment.
As the astrologer is packing up his money and "paraphernalia," he "looked up and saw a man standing before him." The astrologer had a sense of expectancy about the stranger:
He sensed a possible client.
Truly, the astrologer thought that the man would be one more person who would pay him to read his future. The astrologer begins by using common courtesy gestures and phrases. While suggesting the man sit down, the astrologer mentions that the stranger looks weary:
You look so careworn. It will do you good to sit down for a while and chat with me.
With these comments, the man grumbled about something. The stranger did not immediately sit down. The astrologer had to insist:
The astrologer pressed his invitation.
Still, the stranger was not convinced. Then the astrologer and the stranger have qualms over the issue of payment for the astrologer's services. They finally agree on a price for the astrologer's services. Then the stranger agrees to pay, but only if the astrologer can truly tell him about the man for whom he is searching.
Recognizing the stranger, the astrologer reveals all he knows. Of course, the stranger begins believing the astrologer has powers. The astrologer makes money and the stranger leaves.
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