R. K. Narayan Questions and Answers
R. K. Narayan
What is the moral of R. K. Narayan's story "A Career"?
The moral of R. K. Narayan's story "A Career" is to be cautious about who one trusts. The tale illustrates this through the narrator's misplaced trust in Ramu, a seemingly virtuous stranger who...
R. K. Narayan
Why is R.K. Narayan's essay titled "Toasted English"?
The title "Toasted English" in R.K. Narayan's essay refers to the American adaptation of the English language, making it more suited to their culture and society. Narayan uses the term "toasted" to...
R. K. Narayan
The significance and summary of "Like the Sun" by R. K. Narayan
"Like the Sun" by R. K. Narayan explores the theme of truth and its consequences. The story follows Sekhar, who decides to be completely honest for a day, leading to various uncomfortable situations....
R. K. Narayan
What is the main theme of "Trail of the Green Blazer" by R. K. Narayan?
The main message or theme in the short story "Trail of the Green Blazer" by R. K. Narayan concerns the extent to which people justify or rationalize immoral or unethical things that they do. In this...
R. K. Narayan
In "Out of Business," how do changes in Rama Rao's life impact his behavior?
In "Out of Business," Rama Rao's life changes when his business investment suddenly collapses. This impacts his behavior by creating a desperation to improve his family's circumstances. He becomes...
R. K. Narayan
Discuss the use of irony in R. K. Narayan's "Sweets for Angels."
The irony in R. K. Narayan's "Sweets for Angels" lies in Kali being punished for his generosity instead of being rewarded. The story's theme of the loss of innocence is reflected in both the children...
R. K. Narayan
In "A Snake in the Grass" by R. K. Narayan, what superstitions or rituals surround the cobra?
After a cobra enters the family's yard and they lose track of it in the grass, an old woman claims that this is a sign from the deity Murugan, who is associated with snakes in Hinduism. As the family...
R. K. Narayan
How does the story "Out of Business" by R.K. Narayan illustrate the triumph of "hope" over "rope"?
In "Out of Business," R.K. Narayan illustrates the triumph of "hope" over "rope" through Rama Rao's journey. After losing his job and facing financial struggles, Rama Rao becomes obsessed with...
R. K. Narayan
What does the title "The M.C.C." mean in R. K. Narayan's story?
The meaning of the title of R.K. Narayan's story "The M.C.C." is the Malgudi Cricket Club. This is the club formed by Rajam, and all his friends agree to join.
R. K. Narayan
Comment on RK Narayan's use of humor in Swami and Friends.
RK Narayan's use of humor in Swami and Friends is characterized by the straightforward and matter-of-fact directness of a precocious child. This humor stems from Swami's blend of innocence and his...
R. K. Narayan
Can you explain the story "The Snake Song" by R. K. Narayanan?
"The Snake Song" is about the Talkative Man, a promising music student who arrogantly dismisses a beggar, leading to a curse that his music will attract snakes. Engrossed in his practice, he charms a...
R. K. Narayan
Why does Raju select the man in the green blazer in "Trail of the Green Blazer"?
Raju selects the man in the green blazer because the blazer he's wearing seems to cry out an invitation. The green blazer signifies that the man wearing it is quite well-off and has some money about...
R. K. Narayan
What is the summary of "Hundred Questions" by R. K. Narayan?
"Hundred Questions" by R.K. Narayan follows the Pandava brothers who, after chasing a deer, suffer from thirst in the forest. One by one, the brothers drink from a lake and die after ignoring a voice...
R. K. Narayan
What conclusion can be drawn about Swami's character at the end of "Swami and the Sum"?
At the end of the story, "Swami and the Sum," Swami's character is revealed to be quite typical of a child. While his father is concerned about Swami's ability to correctly solve a math problem,...
R. K. Narayan
Why did patients visit Dr. Raman only when hopeless?
Patients visited Dr. Raman only when hopeless because they couldn't afford his high fees and believed his presence would jinx their survival chances. This superstition arose because patients often...
R. K. Narayan
Does the story "A Snake in the Grass" by R. K. Narayan have a conclusive ending?
R. K. Narayan's "A Snake in the Grass" ends inconclusively, reflecting life's often unresolved nature. The story closes with the college boy's regret about not verifying the contents of Dasa's...
R. K. Narayan
In R.K Narayan's Swami and Friends, will they have to pay tax when starting the team?
In "Swami and Friends," the idea of paying taxes when starting a cricket team is a humorous exaggeration of the complexities Swami and Rajam face. Initially, starting a team seems straightforward,...
R. K. Narayan
Can you summarize "My Dateless Diary" by R.K. Narayan?
"My Dateless Diary" by R.K. Narayan is a travel diary that recounts the author's experiences during his first visit to America. At 50 years old, Narayan explores cultural differences and similarities...
R. K. Narayan
What is the irony in R. K. Narayan's story "Another Community"?
The irony in R. K. Narayan's "Another Community" lies in the protagonist's efforts to prevent violence between two communities, only to inadvertently trigger it himself. Despite his attempts to avert...
R. K. Narayan
What is the significance of the title "A Snake in the Grass" in R. K. Narayan's story?
The title "A Snake in the Grass" in R. K. Narayan's story is significant on multiple levels. It refers to the literal cobra in the family's compound and metaphorically to the treacherous behavior of...
R. K. Narayan
Where did Swami and his friends reside in Swami and Friends?
Swami and his friends reside in the fictional village of Malgudi in Southern India. This setting, created by Narayan, is representative of small villages in the region and reflects the social,...
R. K. Narayan
What is the irony at the end of "A Snake in the Grass" by R. K. Narayan?
The irony at the end of R.K. Narayan's "A Snake in the Grass" lies in the servant Dasa tricking the family into believing he caught a cobra, thus saving his job. The family, who had accused him of...
R. K. Narayan
What's one similarity and one difference between Rama and Ravana in Narayan's The Ramayana?
Rama and Ravana are similar in that they are both kings and warriors who believe it is their duty to fight for justice. However, they differ in that Rama is a good king who follows the rules of...
R. K. Narayan
Compare R. K. Narayan’s The Guide and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Your comparative study of The Guide and Pride and Prejudice could examine how wealth functions in both novels. In The Guide, wealth seems to be reflected in both the railroad and in Rosie. In Pride...
R. K. Narayan
What pact does Shekhar make in "Like the Sun," and why is it referred to as an eternal pact?
Shekhar commits to telling the absolute truth for one day, believing truth is as glaring as the sun. This "eternal pact" means he won't disclose his truth-telling mission to anyone, taking it to his...
R. K. Narayan
What does "melting" refer to in R.K. Narayan's story "Out of Business"?
In R.K. Narayan's story "Out of Business," "melting" refers to the rapid depletion of Rama Rao's bank savings due to financial pressures following a stock market crash and the death of a financier....
R. K. Narayan
What does the beggar-woman's view on the cobra's presence and the mother's reaction in R.K. Narayan's "A Snake in the...
The beggar-woman's view in "A Snake in the Grass" suggests a deep respect for religious traditions, as she sees the cobra as an embodiment of the god Subramanya. Her perspective influences the...
R. K. Narayan
In "Like the Sun," is the headmaster pleased or angry when Sekhar tells the truth about his music?
The headmaster is irritated rather than pleased when Sekhar tells him the truth about his music. Though he outwardly thanks Sekhar for his honesty, he is clearly annoyed, as evidenced by his decision...
R. K. Narayan
How does R. K. Narayan's "A Horse and Two Goats" depict the lives and languages of Muni and the Red Man to create humor?
In R. K Narayan's short story "A Horse and Two Goats," the lack of communication between Muni and the American during their conversation aligns with classic comedic bits like "Who's on First"? While...
R. K. Narayan
Discuss how Malgudi in Swami and Friends is globally relatable yet unmistakably Indian.
Malgudi in "Swami and Friends" is globally relatable as a universal small-town setting, yet it remains unmistakably Indian due to its cultural nuances. The school setting, Swami's Brahmin upbringing,...
R. K. Narayan
What does K. Parija mean when he describes R. K. Narayan's "Another Community" as a "moving story of a martyr at the...
K. Parija describes "Another Community" as a "moving story of a martyr at the blood altar of communal blood-bath" because it portrays the tragic, senseless death of an Everyman caught in communal...
R. K. Narayan
What portrait of the family is depicted in R. K. Narayan's "A Snake on the Grass"? Are the sons calculating?
The family in R. K. Narayan's "A Snake on the Grass" is depicted as somewhat comical rather than maliciously calculating. The sons show a mix of practicality and humor, sometimes at the expense of...
R. K. Narayan
Describe the Indian family's adventure with a cobra in "The Snake in the Grass".
In "The Snake in the Grass," an Indian family faces a king cobra in their yard, triggering a frantic search with bamboo sticks and knives. The family, including a mother and her four sons, blames...
R. K. Narayan
Why does the narrator in R. K. Narayan's "Another Community" choose to conceal the protagonist's identity?
The narrator in R. K. Narayan's "Another Community" conceals the protagonist's identity to emphasize universal human traits over specific identities. By presenting the protagonist as an "Everyman,"...
R. K. Narayan
Was there a snake in the pot Dasa brought? If not, why did he pretend there was?
It is unclear if there was a snake in the pot Dasa brought, as his character is known for laziness and deceit. He likely pretended to catch the snake to avoid actual work and to protect his job, as...