RK Narayan's novels depict Indian culture
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Md, Habibullah
Indo-Anglian literature projects more favourable and truthful image of this subcontinent. R.K.Narayan is a pioneering figure in Indo-Anglian literature. Being an Indian his atmosphere is entirely based on Indian culture including human relationship, mercenary mind, sexual obsession, the dominating tendency of male counterpart. But Narayan is a pure artist. Unlike other Indo-Anglian writers he presents life as he saw it with all its sufferings and happiness, ups and downs, sentiments and emotions. His aim is to amuse and entertain the readers not like propagandists.
He does not express his sympathy for castes, colour and creed. Hence his writings are eschewed from ideological vices and prejudices. For example, in the novel Waiting for Mahatma, he depicts life in Malgudi under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. But in his theory of art for art's sake, Narayan has not identified with any 'ism'. He presents his observation with artistic temperament and objectivity. In the novel The Dark Room Savitri leaves her room because her husband has illicit relation with a beautiful lady. Savitri is trying to commit suicide but good sense prevails. She returns home to take care of her children. Here Narayan does not preach any moral dogma. Savitri's husband Ramoli is still pursuing that lady. Unlike Shakespeare, Narayan's writing does not contain any poetic justice because he wants to present the usual practice of this world. He does not give his opinion about the exploited and oppressed Indian woman.
As a humorist Narayan occupies a prominent place among the Indo-Anglian writers. There are a number of situations in his novels which evoke our laughter and even the unlearned can appreciate them. For instance, in the novel The guide there is the situation in the Pyoll School where the boys pry into the house of a master and find him cooking in the kitchen. The wife stands close by and she giggles as she sees the amazed boys standing at the door of the kitchen. The words employed by Raju's uncle to want Raju is also quite amusing. He warns Raju that Raju will be castrated if he does not abandon Rosie. This is typical Indian threat. In the novel The Financial Expert we keep on laughing when Margayya's business suffers another jolt when Balu, his spoilt son, throws his account book into the gutter. Now it becomes impossible for Margayya to resume his old business. So Margayya consults an astrologer and examine his horoscope and becomes sure that a good time is coming for him. Money and sex, both charm-arousing nature-created elements specially desired for human beings, have encircled the Indian subcontinent literature. The tendency of amassing money through setting the age-old trap of sex has been atop all. For example, Margayya purchases a book entitled Bed Life from aged Dr Pall for whatever ready cash Margayya's purse contains and he is assured by Dr Pall that the book renamed domestic harmony will sell in tens of thousands of copies if only Margayya can find a publisher. The book turns out to be a great success and Margayya once again becomes prosperous. In the novel The Guide Raju, on the one hand, exploited the handsome body of Rosie, on the other hand he manages Rosie to dance like professional acrobats, and never like amateurish dancers . The religious belief and creed of the subcontinent people are reflected in the R.K Narayan' novels.
At the end of all the novels all the culprits and conspirators do not go unpunished. But it cannot be said poetic justice because the Indian people strongly believe in the age-old proverb-as you sow so you reap. In the novel The Guide Rosie believes in fate when she says "This is karma, what can we do”. Raju's and Rosie's separation also takes place because they have rejected moral sanctity. Such a relationship cannot last in the Indian context.
Md Habibullah is a lecturer of English literature, World University of Bangladesh. May be reached at habib.du@yahoo.com
Indo-Anglian literature projects more favourable and truthful image of this subcontinent. R.K.Narayan is a pioneering figure in Indo-Anglian literature. Being an Indian his atmosphere is entirely based on Indian culture including human relationship, mercenary mind, sexual obsession, the dominating tendency of male counterpart. But Narayan is a pure artist. Unlike other Indo-Anglian writers he presents life as he saw it with all its sufferings and happiness, ups and downs, sentiments and emotions. His aim is to amuse and entertain the readers not like propagandists.
He does not express his sympathy for castes, colour and creed. Hence his writings are eschewed from ideological vices and prejudices. For example, in the novel Waiting for Mahatma, he depicts life in Malgudi under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. But in his theory of art for art's sake, Narayan has not identified with any 'ism'. He presents his observation with artistic temperament and objectivity. In the novel The Dark Room Savitri leaves her room because her husband has illicit relation with a beautiful lady. Savitri is trying to commit suicide but good sense prevails. She returns home to take care of her children. Here Narayan does not preach any moral dogma. Savitri's husband Ramoli is still pursuing that lady. Unlike Shakespeare, Narayan's writing does not contain any poetic justice because he wants to present the usual practice of this world. He does not give his opinion about the exploited and oppressed Indian woman.
As a humorist Narayan occupies a prominent place among the Indo-Anglian writers. There are a number of situations in his novels which evoke our laughter and even the unlearned can appreciate them. For instance, in the novel The guide there is the situation in the Pyoll School where the boys pry into the house of a master and find him cooking in the kitchen. The wife stands close by and she giggles as she sees the amazed boys standing at the door of the kitchen. The words employed by Raju's uncle to want Raju is also quite amusing. He warns Raju that Raju will be castrated if he does not abandon Rosie. This is typical Indian threat. In the novel The Financial Expert we keep on laughing when Margayya's business suffers another jolt when Balu, his spoilt son, throws his account book into the gutter. Now it becomes impossible for Margayya to resume his old business. So Margayya consults an astrologer and examine his horoscope and becomes sure that a good time is coming for him. Money and sex, both charm-arousing nature-created elements specially desired for human beings, have encircled the Indian subcontinent literature. The tendency of amassing money through setting the age-old trap of sex has been atop all. For example, Margayya purchases a book entitled Bed Life from aged Dr Pall for whatever ready cash Margayya's purse contains and he is assured by Dr Pall that the book renamed domestic harmony will sell in tens of thousands of copies if only Margayya can find a publisher. The book turns out to be a great success and Margayya once again becomes prosperous. In the novel The Guide Raju, on the one hand, exploited the handsome body of Rosie, on the other hand he manages Rosie to dance like professional acrobats, and never like amateurish dancers . The religious belief and creed of the subcontinent people are reflected in the R.K Narayan' novels.
At the end of all the novels all the culprits and conspirators do not go unpunished. But it cannot be said poetic justice because the Indian people strongly believe in the age-old proverb-as you sow so you reap. In the novel The Guide Rosie believes in fate when she says "This is karma, what can we do”. Raju's and Rosie's separation also takes place because they have rejected moral sanctity. Such a relationship cannot last in the Indian context.
Md Habibullah is a lecturer of English literature, World University of Bangladesh. May be reached at habib.du@yahoo.com