Saturday, 5 July 2025

NEB class 11 7th Story An Astrologers Day R.K. Narayan

 7th Story

An Astrologers Day

R.K. Narayan

An Astrologer’s Day is a short story by R.K. Narayan, a famous Indian writer known for his simple and meaningful stories about everyday life.

About the Writer

R.K. Narayan (1906–2001) was a famous Indian writer who wrote many stories in English. He created a fictional town called Malgudi, where most of his stories happen. His writing is simple and funny, showing the everyday life and people of India. Some of his famous books are Swami and Friends, The Guide, and The Man-Eater of Malgudi.

Setting

The story takes place in Malgudi, a small Indian town. It happens at night on a busy street where the astrologer has a small stall. The town is lively with people passing by, and the street markets and simple life are shown clearly.

Plot

The story is about an astrologer who tells people’s fortunes for a living. One evening, a stranger visits him for advice. During their talk, the astrologer realizes this man is someone he once tried to kill but thought was dead. The astrologer gives the man a prediction, which changes their lives. The story ends with the astrologer thinking deeply about life and his past.

Characters

  1. The Astrologer: A smart man who reads people’s lives. He feels guilty about his past mistake but is practical and wise.
  2. The Stranger: A worried man who comes for advice, not knowing the astrologer’s secret.
  3. The Astrologer’s Wife: She supports him quietly and helps in small ways.

 

Themes

1. Fate vs. Free Will

The story shows how people believe in fate and astrology to know their future, but at the same time, their own choices and actions can change what happens. The astrologer struggles with his own past and how much he controls his life.

2. Redemption and Guilt

The astrologer once made a big mistake that hurt someone. Meeting that person again gives him a chance to feel sorry and think about his past. The story talks about guilt and the chance to make things right.

3. Deception and Truth

The astrologer tricks people with his predictions, but he faces the truth about his own life. The story shows how lies and truth are mixed, and even liars can be surprised by real truths.

4. Human Nature

Narayan shows how people are full of fears, hopes, and feelings. The astrologer’s talk with the stranger reveals how complex and fragile human life can be.

 Summary in short

An Astrologer’s Day tells the story of a man who makes a living by telling fortunes in the busy streets of Malgudi. He looks confident and wise, but he has a secret past that haunts him. One evening, a stranger visits him for advice. The astrologer quickly realizes this man is someone he once tried to kill many years ago but thought was dead. The astrologer gives the stranger a hopeful prediction, calming his fears. The stranger leaves feeling better, unaware of the astrologer’s true identity. After the man goes, the astrologer reflects on his past, feeling a mix of guilt and relief. The story ends with the astrologer thinking about fate, guilt, and how life can bring unexpected meetings. It shows how people try to hide their past but must face it in time.

Summary in detail

An Astrologer's Day by R.K. Narayan follows the life of an astrologer who works in the streets of Malgudi, a fictional town in South India. The astrologer is a self-assured man who earns his living by telling people's fortunes. He is dressed in a traditional manner, sitting under a makeshift stall and attracting customers with his mystical persona. While his practice is based on predicting the future, he carefully observes people’s behavior and uses his intuition to offer them advice, often tailoring his predictions to what he senses they need to hear. This makes him a successful and popular figure in the town, although he harbors a hidden past that weighs on him.

One day, a stranger approaches the astrologer seeking answers to his future. The astrologer examines the man closely and senses that he is troubled and tense. After a brief exchange, the astrologer confidently tells the man that he has a terrible past, particularly a violent encounter that has led to deep anguish. The stranger is shocked at the accuracy of the prediction. The astrologer then goes on to give the man a detailed, cryptic prophecy about how his future will unfold. He suggests that the stranger's life will soon take a positive turn, and he gives him hope for a better future.

As the astrologer continues his predictions, the story reveals a twist. The astrologer, who has been living with a deep secret for many years, begins to realize that the stranger he is talking to is the very man he had once nearly killed in his youth. The astrologer had been involved in a violent confrontation with a man long ago, and he fled the town in guilt and fear, starting a new life as an astrologer. The stranger’s appearance is a reminder of his past crime, and he experiences a rush of emotions as he realizes that he is face to face with the man he had wronged.

In the end, the astrologer’s encounter with the stranger serves as both a moral reckoning and a moment of personal redemption. The astrologer, who once fled his past, now finds himself in a position to make amends—though not in the way he initially expects. The stranger, unaware of the astrologer's true identity, takes comfort in the predictions and leaves, seemingly at peace with the new direction his life is heading. The astrologer, left alone with his thoughts, reflects on how fate has brought them together and how his past mistake, once hidden, has come full circle. The story ends with the astrologer contemplating the nature of fate, guilt, and the unexpected ways in which life unfolds.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

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

The astrologer’s appearance plays a key role in attracting customers to his stall. He is dressed in traditional, eye-catching attire, which includes a turban and a long robe, both of which enhance his mystique and lend an air of authority. His physical appearance, coupled with his calculated gestures and the use of props like a palm leaf, adds to the aura of wisdom and mysticism. His enigmatic and well-thought-out presentation helps to create an atmosphere of trust and intrigue, making people believe that he holds deep, secret knowledge about their lives and futures. This appearance makes him stand out in the busy market and draws people in, eager to know what he can reveal about their future.

The astrologer’s ability to help his customers satisfy their needs is rooted in his skill at reading people. He doesn’t merely rely on traditional astrology but uses his keen observation of their body language, demeanor, and emotions to tailor his predictions. This makes his advice seem particularly relevant and accurate. For example, he intuitively senses the troubled state of the stranger who approaches him, which allows him to make specific, personal predictions that resonate with the man. The astrologer is adept at offering comfort and reassurance, giving people what they need—whether it's guidance, a sense of hope, or a way to cope with their troubles. In doing so, he satisfies the emotional needs of his clients, even if his predictions may not always be grounded in the traditional practices of astrology. This blend of psychological insight and perceived mysticism allows him to effectively meet the desires and concerns of his customers.

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

The astrologer's attitude toward the stranger is initially one of professional detachment and confidence. He approaches the stranger with a sense of authority, relying on his skills to provide tailored predictions. As a seasoned astrologer, he calmly assesses the stranger’s demeanor and offers predictions that seem accurate and comforting, maintaining an air of control. However, as the conversation progresses, the astrologer’s attitude shifts to unease and inner turmoil when he realizes that the stranger is the very man he had wronged years ago. This realization evokes a deep sense of guilt and self-reflection, though he keeps his emotions hidden. His attitude, therefore, evolves from professional confidence to quiet remorse, as he is forced to confront his past without openly acknowledging it to the stranger.

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

The astrologer gives the stranger several unsettling details about his past, revealing that the man had a violent and traumatic experience involving a near-fatal encounter. He correctly deduces that the stranger had been seriously wounded in the past, and that this violent incident had caused him immense anguish. The astrologer also suggests that the stranger had been searching for answers ever since, carrying a deep sense of unresolved guilt and sorrow. He implies that the stranger has been unable to move on from this dark episode in his life. These revelations seem eerily accurate to the stranger, though the astrologer remains unaware that he is speaking about an event in which he himself played a part years earlier.

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

The astrologer advises the stranger to go home immediately after revealing the details of his violent past and predicting that his life will soon change for the better. The astrologer senses that the stranger has been carrying a heavy emotional burden and needs to resolve the pain from his past. By urging him to go home, the astrologer seeks to give the man the opportunity to find peace and closure. The advice also stems from the astrologer's own unease and guilt upon realizing that the stranger is the very man he had wounded years ago. In his mind, the astrologer believes that by sending the man home, he might avoid further confrontation or retribution, and perhaps allow the stranger to heal from the trauma he has suffered. The astrologer’s recommendation is thus motivated by both a sense of compassion and a desire to distance himself from the consequences of his own past actions.

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

The conversation between the astrologer and his wife is revealing in its simplicity and subtle humor, showcasing the dynamics of their relationship. The wife appears to be practical and supportive, helping her husband prepare for his day’s work by giving him a meal and offering some gentle advice. Her concern for him is evident, yet there is also an underlying tone of realism in her words. The astrologer’s response to her, while somewhat dismissive, also reflects his internal struggles. He seems to take pride in his work and is confident in his ability to manage his customers, but his wife’s questions about the nature of his work and its consequences subtly hint at his deeper moral conflict. This brief exchange adds depth to his character, showing that while he presents himself as a confident, wise figure in public, at home, he is a man who is, at times, burdened by the nature of his profession and his past. It also highlights the contrast between the astrologer's outward persona and the more mundane, everyday reality of his life with his wife.

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.

In An Astrologer's Day, several details contribute to the feeling of suspense and surprise. First, the astrologer's initial air of confidence and the mysterious setting of the street create a sense of intrigue. When the stranger approaches, the astrologer's ability to provide accurate predictions about the man's past creates an atmosphere of tension, especially as the astrologer seems to know details about the stranger's life that he couldn't have learned through normal means. The stranger's emotional reaction to the astrologer's revelations, coupled with the astrologer's calm demeanor, heightens the sense of suspense, making readers wonder how much the astrologer truly knows.

The major element of surprise comes when the astrologer realizes that the stranger is the very man he had once nearly killed. This realization occurs gradually, and the astrologer’s growing unease and inner turmoil contribute to a sense of impending revelation. The tension intensifies as the astrologer, who has been living in guilt and fear for years, confronts the possibility of facing the consequences of his past actions. The twist at the end where the stranger, unaware of the astrologer's identity, leaves satisfied create an ironic and unexpected resolution. This final revelation leaves readers reflecting on the nature of fate and the impact of past mistakes, making the story's conclusion both suspenseful and surprising.

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.

In An Astrologer's Day, the main conflict is internal, centered on the astrologer’s guilt over a violent incident from his past, and external, involving his interaction with the stranger. The astrologer is burdened by the memory of having nearly killed the stranger years ago, and he is fearful of facing the consequences. As the conversation unfolds, the astrologer realizes that the stranger is the very man he had harmed. This external conflict intensifies as the astrologer struggles with the fear of retribution. The resolution comes when the astrologer, still hiding his identity, advises the stranger to go home and find peace, avoiding a direct confrontation. This resolution allows the astrologer to maintain his safety, but it also leaves him to reflect on the moral complexities of his past actions. The conflict reveals the astrologer's internal struggle with guilt and his desire for redemption, while also highlighting his skill in navigating difficult situations without directly addressing his past mistakes.

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

In An Astrologer's Day, R.K. Narayan uses several vivid details and techniques to describe the astrologer, helping readers visualize both his physical appearance and his role in the story. The astrologer is depicted as a man dressed in traditional, colorful attire, which adds to his mystique and conveys his status as a figure of wisdom and authority. His "turban" and "long robe" immediately create an image of a man steeped in the cultural and spiritual practices of his profession. The author also describes the astrologer's "squat frame" and "a calm, reassuring expression," giving him a humble yet composed appearance. These physical traits contrast with his deep inner turmoil, which Narayan subtly reveals through his nervousness when interacting with the stranger, especially when he realizes the stranger's identity.

The astrologer’s environment also reflects his persona. His stall is described as a makeshift setup, with a simple "brightly colored cloth" to shield him from the sun, enhancing the impression of a man who is part of the town’s everyday life, yet holds a certain mystical aura. Additionally, Narayan describes his demeanor as confident, yet his nervousness and uncertainty about his past make his characterization more complex. The author uses these descriptions to build a sense of intrigue and to highlight the contrast between the astrologer's public role as a confident fortune-teller and his private, moral struggle. These details and techniques help readers visualize the astrologer and understand the dual nature of his character—one of outward calm, with a hidden, troubled past.

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

The irony in Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer lies in the contrast between appearances and reality. At first, the astrologer confidently makes predictions about the stranger’s past, detailing a violent incident and the stranger’s troubled life. Guru Nayak, who is eager for answers, believes the astrologer’s words and is reassured, unaware that the astrologer is actually the man who nearly killed him years ago. The astrologer, on the other hand, is hiding his identity, all the while feeling an intense inner conflict as he recognizes Guru Nayak. The true irony emerges when Guru Nayak leaves the astrologer’s stall, unaware that the man who gave him the prophecy is the very one he had been seeking for revenge.

Moreover, the astrologer’s prediction about the stranger’s future, which suggests that Guru Nayak will find peace and resolution, is ironic because, in reality, the astrologer is the one who might be seeking peace from his past actions. This contrast between what is said and what is true heightens the dramatic tension, as both the astrologer and Guru Nayak are deceived by their own assumptions and perceptions. The irony lies in how their meeting resolves without either of them fully understanding the true nature of their connection.

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

The astrologer’s manner of dress suits his character by enhancing the aura of mysticism and authority he wants to project. He wears a turban and a long robe, which are traditional, colorful garments that immediately signal to the people of the town that he is a figure of wisdom and spiritual significance. His attire aligns with the role he plays as a fortune-teller, evoking a sense of reverence and respect. The turbans and robes are symbolic of the cultural and spiritual identity that is expected of an astrologer in the context of the story.

His dress also contrasts with his inner turmoil, adding depth to his character. While his appearance is confident and commanding, the astrologer’s true nature is much more complex. The fact that he uses his dress to conceal his true self—hiding his past and projecting an image of stability reflects the tension between his public persona and private guilt. The traditional dress aids in establishing his credibility with customers, allowing him to maintain his role as a trusted figure, even as he harbors emotional and moral conflicts beneath the surface. Thus, his manner of dress is both a reflection of the role he plays in society and a tool for hiding the complexity of his inner life.

Reference beyond the text

a. The astrologer attracts many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them. What does this tell you about the people of the town walking in the street?

The fact that the astrologer attracts many customers in the street, who are pleased and astonished by his predictions, suggests that the people of the town are deeply inclined toward seeking spiritual guidance and reassurance about their lives. It indicates that they are curious and perhaps somewhat superstitious, looking for answers to their personal dilemmas or uncertainties. The crowd’s positive reactions to the astrologer’s words show that they place trust in his abilities, believing in the power of fate and the mysticism surrounding his predictions.

This also reflects the social and cultural context of the town, where astrology and fortune-telling are respected traditions, and people are willing to seek comfort in these practices. The customers’ astonishment and satisfaction point to their vulnerability and need for validation, as they often look to external sources to make sense of their lives or solve their problems. Overall, the reaction of the townspeople reveals their openness to believing in the supernatural and their need for guidance, even if it comes from a figure like the astrologer, whose predictions may not always be grounded in truth.

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

Most people want to know their future because it provides them with a sense of control and security. The uncertainty of life can be unsettling, and by seeking knowledge about the future, individuals hope to gain insight into potential outcomes, make better decisions, and alleviate their anxieties. The desire to understand what lies ahead can stem from various concerns—ranging from career choices, relationships, and health, to more existential fears about purpose and destiny. In essence, knowing the future can offer comfort, reduce stress, and help people navigate their lives with greater confidence.

As for whether astrologers can really help people know their future, it’s important to recognize that astrology is not scientifically proven to predict specific events. Astrologers often provide general guidance that can resonate with a person’s current circumstances, and their advice may appear accurate due to the nature of their broad, symbolic predictions. The real power of an astrologer, however, may lie in their ability to offer emotional support, insight, and a different perspective. While they might not predict the future in a literal sense, they can help people by offering reassurance, clarity, or a sense of direction—whether or not their predictions hold any true accuracy.

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

Yes, astrology can be considered a form of blind faith because it lacks scientific backing and relies heavily on belief in the influence of celestial bodies on human lives. Despite its long history and cultural significance in many societies, astrology does not have empirical evidence to support its claims of predicting specific events or outcomes. Many of the predictions made by astrologers are often vague, generalized, or based on broad principles that could apply to anyone, leading people to find meaning where there may be none. This can make astrology seem like a way to offer comfort or direction, but in reality, it does not provide concrete, reliable information. While some people may find emotional support or personal insight through astrology, it is important to recognize that its practices are rooted in belief rather than verifiable truth, making it a practice more of faith than of fact.

 

 

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