R. K. Narayan and his Short stories

Hello viewers!👋

I am Maya Batiya, 
A student of M.A. sem-3 Department of English, M.K.B.U.

This blog is part of a thinking activity comparing "An Astrologer's Day" and "Crime and Punishment." It looks at the short film adaptation and the original story, exploring themes of crime and punishment in both. Here are some questions and answers based on the stories.
 
_ Assigned by  Megha ma'am

∆  About R. K. Narayan :

R.K. Narayan (born October 10, 1906, Madras [Chennai], India—died May 13, 2001, Madras) was one of the finest Indian authors of his generation writing in English.R.K.narayan full name is Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayan. 

Among the best-received of Narayan’s 34 novels are The English Teacher (1945), Waiting for the Mahatma (1955), The Guide (1958), The Man-Eater of Malgudi (1961), The Vendor of Sweets (1967), and A Tiger for Malgudi (1983). Narayan also wrote a number of short stories; collections include Lawley Road (1956), A Horse and Two Goats and Other Stories (1970), Under the Banyan Tree and Other Stories (1985), and The Grandmother’s Tale (1993). In addition to works of nonfiction (chiefly memoirs), he also published shortened modern prose versions of two Indian epics, The Ramayana (1972) and The Mahabharata (1978).

∆  An Astrologer's Day by  R.K. Narayan :

Narayan's short stories are on the whole characterized by these three basic traits, though it is possible to argue that the irony that operates in them is usually of the light-fingered variety. "An Astrologer's Day," the title story of a 1947 collection, is a short story eminently representative of Narayan's talent.

The story is written in a direct and lucid style, almost Spartan in its unadorned simplicity. Narayan uses no similes and no metaphors. His sentences are mostly short, and his diction unpretentious, with Indian words like "jutka," "jaggery," and "pyol" providing the proper local color to a story that is essentially Indian in every way.

Now let's answer some questions based on the comparison of Short story and Short Film.
  ( An  Astrologer's Day)

Q. 1) How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
Ans : The movie adaptation of "An Astrologer's Day" by R.K. Narayan is generally faithful to the original short story, maintaining the key elements that define the narrative.

Q. 2 ) After watching the movie, has your perception about the short story, characters or situations changed?

Ans- Watching a movie adaptation often provides a different perspective on the original short story, characters, and situations. The visual and auditory elements can enhance the understanding of characters' emotions, settings, and the overall atmosphere, potentially altering one's perception.For example, in a story like "An Astrologer's Day," seeing the astrologer in his physical setting and observing his interactions can bring out subtleties in his character that might be less apparent in the text. Similarly, adaptations of "Crime and Punishment" might emphasize certain themes or character traits through cinematography and performance that can shift how we perceive Raskolnikov’s moral struggles and the oppressive environment of St. Petersburg. 

Q. 3) .Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain with reasons?Ans : Aesthetic delight in a movie occurs during emotionally or intellectually impactful scenes. In "An Astrologer's Day," this might be the vivid portrayal of the astrologer's setting. In "Crime and Punishment," it could be a powerful moment of introspection with exceptional acting. If such moments are absent or poorly executed, aesthetic delight may not be experienced. Comparing the film to the original story will help determine this.

Q. 4 ) Does screening of movie help you in better understanding of the short story?
Ans -   
Yes, screening a movie adaptation can help in better understanding the short story by providing visual and auditory elements that bring the narrative to life. It can highlight key themes, character emotions, and settings more vividly, offering a different perspective that complements the written text. However, it depends on the quality and faithfulness of the adaptation to the original story.

Q. 5) Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect? 
Ans : 
Yes, there can be moments in the story that seem perfect due to their impact or how they encapsulate the essence of the narrative. In "An Astrologer's Day," the revelation scene where the astrologer's past and true identity are unveiled might be considered perfect for its dramatic tension and character depth. In "Crime and Punishment," the scene where Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonia could be seen as perfect due to its emotional intensity and exploration of guilt and redemption.

Q. 6) If you are the director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan ?

Ans :

If I were the director remaking "An Astrologer's Day," I would:

1. Add flashbacks to enhance the astrologer's backstory.
2. Deepen character development for the astrologer and the man he encounters.
3. Ensure the setting authentically reflects a bustling Indian market.
4. Use varied cinematography and lighting to enhance the mood.
5. Enrich dialogues to better convey emotions and backgrounds.
6. Maintain a tight narrative pace to keep the audience engaged.
7. Incorporate symbolism to add depth, using props or visual motifs to represent fate and destiny.

∆#∆    Crime and Punishment 


∆ Exploring the dynamic roles of teacher and student: Crime and Punishment by R.K. Narayan. 

Exploring the dynamic roles of teacher and student in "Crime and Punishment" by R.K. Narayan reveals intricate layers of guidance, influence, and moral questioning. In this story, characters often embody these roles, shaping each other's beliefs and actions.

1. The Astrologer as a Teacher: The astrologer, with his wisdom and insight, plays a guiding role. His words influence the people who seek his counsel, teaching them life lessons subtly through his predictions and advice.

2.The Man as a Student: The man who confronts the astrologer becomes a student in this dynamic, as he learns profound truths about his past and fate. This encounter teaches him about forgiveness, destiny, and the weight of his actions.

3. Moral Lessons: The story underscores the moral lessons imparted through the teacher-student dynamic, highlighting themes of justice, repentance, and the human condition.

4. Power Dynamics: The shifting power dynamics between the astrologer and the man illustrate the fluidity of these roles. At times, the astrologer seems vulnerable, while at others, he holds significant sway over the man's perceptions and decisions.

5.Introspection and Growth: Both characters undergo introspection and growth, showcasing how the roles of teacher and student can be reciprocal, with each learning from the other.

By examining these dynamics, we see how "Crime and Punishment" delves into the complexities of human relationships and the transformative power of knowledge and understanding.


∆# CORPORAL PUNISHMENT – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES : 

‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ was a dictum prevalent in the past.

Corporal Punishment is a way of punishing the student deliberately (by inflicting bodily pain or discomfort) for his or her misconduct or indiscipline, with a view to bring a desirable change in his or her behaviour. It is a kind of physical torture.

# Advantages:

 • It makes the child immediately disciplined and obedient.
 • It helps to excel in academics.
 • It reinforces positive behaviour.
 • It helps the child to realise their mistakes.
 • It reminds the child of his physical discomfort and pain when he wants to break the rule.
 • It helps to avoid undesirable character traits.
 
# Disadvantages:

  •  It leads to antisocial behaviour.
  •  It creates various forms of mental distress and hinders child growth.
  •  It is against the concept of self- discipline.
  • It damages the teacher –student relationship.
  •  It results in creating ‘drop-outs’ from schools.
  •   It is a violation of human rights.
  •    It gives the message that violence is the solution for all conflicts and undesirable behaviours.


##  What can be done instead of corporal punishment in schools?

 •  Make the students realise their mistake.
 •  Make them understand the importance of values.
•   A proper learning environment could be created.
•  Good teacher – student relationship should be maintained.
• Appreciation, motivation and positive role models help students to develop good character.
 • Provide life-skill education to improve interpersonal relationships, critical thinking, problem-solving skills etc.


Thank you...🍁🍂🍁


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