An Astrologer’s Day: A Story of Redemption

Introduction

Astrology, believed to be a pseudoscience, has been around for centuries. Deeply ingrained in Indian culture, astrology and its practitioners are commonly sought out for guidance on important life decisions. In R.K. Narayan’s short story, “An Astrologer’s Day,” the protagonist aligns himself with the profession of an astrologer to redeem himself from a life of crime. This blog post will examine the story’s themes, its representation of the astrological profession, and the message it conveys.

The Astrolger’s Profession

The astrological profession is portrayed as being full of charlatans and quacks. The protagonist of the story is one such practitioner, nicknamed “the man who knows tomorrow” by his clients. With no formal training in astrology, he relies on his wit and observational skills to make predictions about his clients’ futures. Despite the skepticism surrounding his job, he is successful in his practice, earning a decent wage from his gullible clients.

The Redemption Arc

The protagonist’s past is shrouded in mystery, but it is revealed that he was once a criminal. Fearing for his life after committing a heinous crime, he changes his name and relocates to a new city where he starts anew as an astrologer. In this new profession, he finds both financial success and a sense of purpose.

As the story progresses, the astrologer’s past comes back to haunt him when a stranger appears, claiming to know the truth about his past. Fearing for his life, the astrologer attempts to flee, but he is cornered by the stranger. In a twist of fate, the stranger turns out to be the very man whom the astrologer had wronged in the past. Rather than seek revenge, the man forgives the astrologer, saying that he had also changed for the better.

The Message

The story conveys a message of redemption and forgiveness. The astrologer’s past mistakes had haunted him, but his new profession allowed him to start anew and make amends for his past actions. Furthermore, forgiveness is a powerful tool that can liberate both the forgivee and the forgiver. This theme is exemplified by the stranger’s forgiveness towards the astrologer, showcasing that forgiveness can lead to personal growth and a brighter future.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about “An Astrologer’s Day: A Story of Redemption”

“An Astrologer’s Day” is a short story written by R.K. Narayan. It was featured in his collection of short stories titled “Malgudi Days.” This story tells the tale of an astrologer who was once a criminal, but who had a chance for redemption.

As with any piece of literature, readers may have questions about the story’s characters, themes, and symbolism. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about “An Astrologer’s Day” along with their answers:

1. Who is the Protagonist of the Story?

The protagonist of “An Astrologer’s Day” is the astrologer himself. He is the central character around whom the story revolves.

2. Is the Story a Detective Story?

Some readers have pointed out that “An Astrologer’s Day” can be classified as a detective story. The story begins with a stranger coming to the astrologer and reveals that someone wants to kill him. The astrologer uses his skills to find out who the person is and whether he is in danger.

3. What is the Theme of the Story?

The theme of “An Astrologer’s Day” is redemption. The astrologer used to be a criminal, but he leaves his past behind and becomes an astrologer. He has a chance for redemption when he saves the life of the man who wants to kill him.

4. Who are Some of the Other Important Characters in the Story?

Apart from the astrologer, some of the other important characters in the story include the stranger who comes to him for help, the astrologer’s wife, and the man who is revealed to be the one who wanted to kill the stranger.

5. What is the Significance of the Setting?

The setting of “An Astrologer’s Day” is a bustling market in a city in India. The significance of this setting is that it represents the chaos and unpredictability of life. The market is a place where people come to buy and sell things, but it is also a place where the unexpected can happen.

6. What is the Role of Astrology in the Story?

The role of astrology in “An Astrologer’s Day” is to highlight its limitations. The astrologer himself admits that his predictions are not always accurate, and that he has to use tricks such as reading his clients’ expressions to make them believe in his abilities. At the same time, astrology plays a key role in the story’s plot, as the astrologer uses his skills to identify the man who wants to kill the stranger.

7. What is the Symbolism in the Story?

“An Astrologer’s Day” contains several symbols that add depth to the story. One example is the astrologer’s equipment, such as his palm leaf manuscripts and his brass pot. These symbolize his profession, and the pot in particular symbolizes his connection to the supernatural. Another symbol is the snake, which represents danger and death.

8. What is the Meaning of the Story’s Ending?

The ending of “An Astrologer’s Day” is open to interpretation. Some readers have suggested that the astrologer’s realization that the man who wants to kill him is his long-lost brother represents a return of his past, and that he will once again become a criminal. Others see the ending as a sign of forgiveness and redemption, as the astrologer chooses to spare his brother’s life.

In conclusion, “An Astrologer’s Day” is a story that contains many layers of meaning. By exploring its themes, characters, and symbolism, readers can gain a deeper understanding of this classic piece of literature.

An Astrologer’s Day: A Story of Redemption

“An Astrologer’s Day” is a short story by R.K. Narayan that explores the deep-seated human emotions of guilt and redemption. This story is set in a busy marketplace in an unnamed Indian town and follows the life of an astrologer who makes a living by reading people’s horoscopes.

The Plot

The story starts with the description of a bustling marketplace where people come to buy and sell things. Among the countless shops, there is an astrologer sitting under a tamarind tree, with a small board that says: “Astrologer and Palmist”. He attracts a lot of people, who come to him to find out about their future.

One day, a stranger comes to the astrologer, and the sight of him shakes the astrologer to the core. He recognizes the stranger as his former victim, who had attempted to kill him years ago. The astrologer had swindled him out of his money, and in anger, the victim had tried to murder him. However, the astrologer had survived the attack and had disappeared.

The astrologer is terrified at this encounter and tells the stranger that he cannot recognize him. The stranger, who is a kind-hearted man, seems to believe the astrologer and sits down to get his horoscope read. The astrologer tries to read his palm, but he is unable to concentrate, and his hands tremble with fear. To his surprise, the stranger seems satisfied and offers him some money. The astrologer is not sure what to do, but he takes the money and tells the stranger to leave.

As the stranger walks away, the astrologer sits under the tamarind tree, deep in thought. He reflects on his past deeds and how he had deceived people for years. He had become so consumed by greed that he had forgotten about his moral obligations. However, this encounter with his past seems to shake him out of his complacency. He decides to turn over a new leaf and become an honest man.

Themes and Analysis

The story explores the themes of guilt and redemption, as well as the power of human compassion. The astrologer’s encounter with his former victim makes him come face to face with his past, and he realizes that he cannot escape his misdeeds. However, he also realizes that he has the power to change his ways and make amends. The story shows how the astrologer, who was consumed by greed, is forced to confront his past and change his ways.

Another theme explored in the story is the power of human compassion. The stranger’s kindness towards the astrologer shows that, despite his past wrongs, there is still hope for redemption. The stranger’s actions help the astrologer realize that he can still be a good person and make amends for his past actions.

The Significance of the Title

The title of the story, “An Astrologer’s Day”, is significant in the sense that it reflects the astrologer’s life. The astrologer spends his days deceiving people and using his knowledge of astrology to swindle them out of their money. However, the encounter with his former victim makes him realize that his past actions have consequences, and he must change his ways. The title thus reflects the astrologer’s journey towards redemption.

Conclusion

“An Astrologer’s Day” is a captivating short story that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and human compassion. The story shows how one’s past actions can have consequences and how redemption is possible even for the most morally corrupt individuals. It is a tale of hope and shows that, despite our past mistakes, we can still choose to be better people and make amends for our actions.