This story by R. K. Narayan begins with some strange logic. After observing that relationships involve tempering truth so as not to hurt one another, the protagonist adds that life is not worth living without telling nothing but the truth (i.e. potentially hurting people) at least one day each year. On one of these days, his honesty upsets three people. The first two are needlessly hurt; the third, although unhappy, benefits from his frankness. The story shows that truth is indeed like the sun: most of the time warm and nourishing, but also capable of causing serious damage. More…
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A Horse and Two Goats
This story from R. K. Narayan is a humorous account of the protagonist (Muri)’s trials and tribulations in a remote Indian village. Its major theme is culture clash (the villagers’ deep spirituality and acceptance of their lot vs. an American’s “money is everything” attitude). Other themes include miscommunication (and how it can sometimes pay off handsomely), change (younger villagers’ loss of appreciation of their cultural heritage, as symbolized by their indifference towards the statue), chauvinism (both men are extremely patronizing towards their wives), and archaeological looting (the American must surely recognize that the statue is of spiritual and/or historical significance!). More…
The House Opposite
The major themes in this R. K. Narayan story are judging others and humanity. An Indian “hermit” is both offended and titillated by the activities of a prostitute living opposite. His initial reaction is to label her a “monstrous” devil. However, imagining what she does night after night excites him to the point of obsession. There is a double irony here. The hermit, who has supposedly given up all pleasures, is consumed by desire. The prostitute, who regards him as a saint, respectfully seeks his blessing. It is not until this request that the hermit recognizes the woman’s humanity. More…
Under the Banyan Tree
This story by R. K. Narayan starts by juxtaposing the village of Somal’s poor utilities and sanitation practices against the almost idyllic existence of its inhabitants. Set before the coming of electronic media, the only regular source of entertainment is Nambi, the village storyteller. In his capacity as de-facto village priest, Nambi is also the focal point of its culture and traditions. Sadly, he is getting old, forgets where he left off in stories once started, and has difficulty coming up with new material. Fortunately, he has the good sense to make his ‘greatest’ story his last. More…
Forty-Five a Month
In this 1940s story by R. K. Narayan, a working-class father is tortured by guilt over his inability to spend time with his young daughter and provide some of the luxuries other children enjoy. When the chronically overworked man asks for an evening off to take her to a movie, he is refused. He is on the point of resignation when offered a small raise that the family needs badly. In a poignant moment, he arrives home late and finds his daughter asleep, still dressed for the movie. Themes: childhood innocence, parent-child relationships, powerlessness, exploitation, financial struggle, sacrifice, guilt. More…