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Class 11 Section II English Lesson 7

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Class 11 English Section II Lesson 7 Note

 

#Unit -7  An Astrologer’s Day – R. K. Narayan

Summary

👉 The short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R. K. Narayan is a thriller and suspense short story which deals with a single day in the life of an ordinary astrologer who shrewdly tries to dupe people and escape from his guilt. The story not only exposes the fake astrologer but also highlights the gullible and superstitious people who approach him. His day begins like any other day but ends with unexpected events. When he is about to wind up his business, he meets Guru Nayak who is a part of the astrologer’s past. Years ago, in a quarrel, the astrologer had stabbed him and thrown him into a well thinking him dead. Luckily, Guru Nayak survived.

 The astrologer had left his native place and started a new life in the city as an astrologer. When Guru Nayak appears before him unknowingly, he cleverly uses his wit and pretends to know Guru Nayak’s past. He even convinces him to give up his search for his enemy, telling him that his enemy had already died. In this way, he not only saves his own life but also hides his guilt forever.

 The story is full of suspense, irony and surprise. It shows how appearances are deceptive and how the astrologer escapes smartly from his past mistakes.

Understanding the text

a. How does the astrologer’s appearance help him attract customers? How does he help the customers satisfy their needs?

Ans 👉 His eyes are assumed to have a prophetic light by his customers. He wears a saffron turban and presents himself so perfectly that he becomes a point of attraction for all the people. He satisfies his customers by giving working analyses of their troubles related to marriage, money and other personal matters.

b. How do you characterize the astrologer’s attitude toward the stranger?

Ans 👉 The astrologer perceives the stranger as a possible customer at first, but later when he recognizes him as Guru Nayak, he becomes cautious and clever in handling the situation.

c. What details does the astrologer give the stranger about his past?

Ans 👉 The astrologer tells the stranger that he was once stabbed by a knife and thrown into a well to die, but some people passing by rescued him and saved his life.

d. Why does he advise the stranger to go home immediately?

Ans 👉 He advises the stranger to go home immediately in order to avoid danger in his life.

e. What is your reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife?

Ans 👉 The astrologer tells his wife that in the past he thought he had killed a man. He now feels happy to know that the man survived. This conversation reveals the twist that the astrologer himself was the person who had attacked Guru Nayak years ago.

Reference to the context

a. Suspense is the feeling of anticipation you may have as you read. In this story, what details contributed to your feelings of suspense and surprise? Explain.

Ans 👉 Suspense is created when the astrologer’s past life is hinted at but not revealed immediately. The curiosity grows as the astrologer suddenly reacts strangely to the stranger. The twist comes at the end when it is revealed that the stranger, Guru Nayak, was the very man whom the astrologer had once tried to kill. This shocking revelation creates both suspense and surprise.

b. Analyze the conflicts in “An Astrologer’s Day.” Explain how the conflicts are resolved and what they reveal about the characters involved in the story.

Ans 👉 The main conflict arises when Guru Nayak challenges the astrologer to answer his questions. The astrologer cleverly uses his wit and reveals Guru Nayak’s past to convince him. The conflict is resolved when Guru Nayak believes the astrologer and leaves, giving up his search for revenge. This shows the astrologer’s intelligence, quick thinking, and survival instinct.

c. “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like.”

i. Who is the speaker?

Ans 👉 The astrologer is the speaker.

ii. Who is he speaking to?

Ans 👉 He is speaking to Guru Nayak.

iii. What does the expression ‘open my mouth’ mean?

Ans 👉 It means to reveal convincing information about the stranger.

d. Description helps readers visualize what is happening in a story. What details and techniques does the author use to describe the astrologer?

Ans 👉 The astrologer is described as an impressive character who attracts people with his saffron turban, painted forehead, and assumed prophetic look. He has no real mystical knowledge but uses cleverness and words to deceive customers. His intelligence, determination and survival instinct help him earn a living and protect his family.

e. Irony is a contrast between appearances and reality. What is ironic about Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer?

Ans 👉 The irony lies in the fact that Guru Nayak seeks the astrologer’s help to find and kill the man who once tried to murder him, but the man he is searching for is none other than the astrologer himself.

f. How does the astrologer’s manner of dress suit his character?

Ans 👉 The astrologer’s saffron turban, painted forehead and serious look make him appear wise and divine. His appearance attracts customers and builds trust in his false abilities. Thus, his manner of dress suits his profession perfectly.

Reference beyond the text

a. The astrologer attracts many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them.

a. What does this tell you about the people of the town walking in the street?

Ans 👉 It shows that the people of the town are gullible, superstitious and easily impressed by appearances. They believe in fortune telling without questioning its truth.

b. Why do most people want to know their future? Do you think astrologers can really help them know their future?

Ans 👉 Most people want to know their future because they are curious about upcoming happiness, problems and safety. In reality, astrologers may not truly predict the future but they can influence people psychologically through their convincing words.

c. Is astrology a good practice of fortune telling or is it just a blind faith? Give reasons.

Ans 👉 Astrology can be considered both as a cultural practice and blind faith. In some cultures, people find comfort and solutions in astrology, but scientifically it is not proven. Therefore, for many, it remains a matter of belief rather than truth.

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