Discuss Narayan’s depiction of Indian life in “the Guide”.

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To what extent are Mangala and Magludi representative of typical Indian village and semi-rural life.

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Bring out the typical Indian scenes and situations in The Guide.

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Write a note on The Guide as a regional novel .

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Malgudi, the locale of all the novels of Narayan, is a metaphor of India. Discuss with particular reference to The Guide.

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Write a note on the two settings of guide. Which of the two is more authentic.

Introduction

R.K. Narayan’s chief concern as a novelist has been to give an artistic express to his views Indian life, without attempting to preach or impress his views. Here is an analysis of character and conduct of the average humanity. Though his art form is western, his theme, atmosphere, situations and scenes are truly India. Narayan, in his novel, is typically Indian as he deals with an Indian sensibility, theme and atmosphere. Here is a ‘typical India’ and not a tourists’ Indian, however while dealing with Indian themes in an Indian atmosphere, the motives and traits of his characters appear universal.

Malgudi

His India is symbolized by Malgudi, an imaginary touch and locale of his novels

Like Jane Austen ,he works on “the two inches of irony” which is Malgadi. it is an average town with swims, beggers , postman, shopkeepers, spongers etc .Gradually, it grows like any other town and because a city of tourists,a center of attraction for ancient Indian culture and even Americans who see the future of India in  its growth. Malgudi, thus ,being a symbol of India, become a symbol; of India ,become a character of  his novels-who changes and develops like a real hero. in fact, all the charecters contribute to the development of this lower middle class town, which according to Williams has a cherecter of its town .

TWO LOCALES

In fact each of his novels has two locates –in the Guide, it is Malgudhi and Mangla. Through Mangla is the actual setting, Malgudi is a part of his recollection and consciousness.  The hero is common to both the locals  .In all his novels and in The Guide, the hero has a longer consciousness; he is involved with bigger concerns of life; classes with western counterpart to give a representative view of the country. In fact both the settings and miniature India, and a miniature universe.

The village School

Narayan gives a vivid and faithful picture of a village school. The “pyol” school, with its respected but not well-paid teaches; the school master sitting on a cushion with classes going on simultaneously, the routine of school-boys shouting and getting caned; the foul-mouthed teacher who abouses instead of including good manners; the co-operative effort of the parents in catering to the needs of the schoolmaster- all these are typically Indian and represent a typical village school.

Religious Beliefs – Swami

The guide also depicts Indian religious belief, superstitions and philosophy. The blind faith of the Indian masses in sadhus and religious men is depicted in their acceptance of Raju as a swami. However, unlike most swamis, Raju is forced into this role due to circumstances and he has a true disciple instead of the usual  fake accomplices. The blind faith of Indian who worship swami’s and give offerings to them is depicted very realistically. The drought and response to it is authentically Indian- they make offerings and wait for a muscle man to foot and brjijnjg rain. The reaction to the fast too is characteristic – they are glad and they make use of the opportunity for party make money and make merry.

Sacrifice

The sacrifice of life for social and spiritual good, an idea of Indian philosophy is portrayed through all this selfishness gives way to altruism and sacrifice: Raju epitomises this Indian belief the moves from skepticism to idealism; he changes his psyche and form a criminal he becomes as altruistic swami with true feelings for those who have fed him,. Thus he sacrifices his life for the well-being f the villagers.

Physical needs

Raju’s physical needs too which are real and obsessive are typically Indian. The Indian belief that as long as man lives in this world, he cannot neglect bodily needs and develop a soul as depicted here. In Raju’s life sex and food dominate his life as long as he is interested. Once he decides to discard food, he attains the stature of a saint.

Traditional Morality

The guide also portrays other Indian beliefs. The Indian philosophy that any deviation from tradition creates disorder and unhappiness that happiness can only be restored by conforming to traditional morality by seducing Marco’s wife. When Rosie come comes to live in his house, he bring disorder in his life and he is ultimately jailed. However, by becoming a sadhu and accepting the traditional belief in sacrifice, self-discipline and self-purification, he brings harmony and order to his spiritual life. He has a spiritual rebirth because he conforms to traditional beliefs.

Conclusion

Narayan in his authentic portrayal of India does not idealise or condemn Indian that he portrays through Maldudi. By means of comic exaggeration he accepts the people and their life. though swamis temple, marriage and fatalism are portrayed he does not present a sentimental view of Indian, but concentrates on the incongruity and realistic Indian environment and sensibility with its inter-personal relationships, without referring to any political ideology or fashionable view. The references to five-year plans, postal services, education of the masses, eradication of mosquitoes through films, the backwardness of the country, the red-tapism and deep-rooted beliefs in traditions and swamis- all create a realistic and contemporary effect without any direct criticism of a social and political evils. His Indian symbols like temples, , rivers, villages, hills, caves, snakes, beggars and Bharat Natyam besides, being a structure necessity are used to present a handy guide to tourists but for depicting genuine India and her authe ntic sensibility,