The story “An Astrologer’s Day” is about an astrologer who encounters his past. He was known for his sly and cunning nature, and he would inform people about their future. He chose this profession after a shocking event happened in his past.
This blog will provide the following information:
- Author
- Characters
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Symbolism
- Moral Lessons
- Conclusion
Author
It’s an astonishing part of the RK Narayan Malgudi Days collection written in 1943. The setting of the story happens in India. You can visit my website for more RK Narayan book reviews with summaries.
Characters
- This short story involves two characters:
Astrologer
He is the main character of the story. He is sitting on the street, surrounded by his mysterious items. People believe he has the power to predict the future.
Guru Nayak
The man who encountered Astrolgers in the night. They both challenged each other. The loser must give rupees in return.
An Astrologer’s Day Summary
RK Narayan presented two characters in this story. The protagonist was an Astrologer. In reality, he doesn’t know a single thing about stars and fate but he is cunning. He had a manipulative quality that attracted people seeking future predictions. He listens to other complaints first. Then, he utters some nice words that enhance others’ trust in him. His good words created a nice image of him.
The astrologer was unnamed in the book. The author shared a little bit of information about him. It is revealed he left his village after an astonishing thing happened to him. He sits on the street in the shade with his notebook and magical glass objects. People pay him back after his words. The twist occurs in the night.
The astrologer was going back to the house but suddenly a man came. He challenged the Astrologer to tell him about his fortune. If he would tell correctly, the man would pay the astrologer. If the astrologer fails to predict the future, then he has to pay. Both agreed. Suddenly, the man lighted a cigarette. The astrologer saw his face and recognized the man. He told him that his name was Guru Nayak. Further, he said that he was looking for a man who attacked him years back.
The man was impressed with the Astrologer’s prediction. He asked about the man’s location. Astrologers said to him that the man was no more. He is badly crushed by the trick four months ago. This eases the man’s revenge and anger. The astrologer suggested the man move back to the village for a healthy life. The man acted on Astrolger’s suggestion.
The story ends with the arrival of an Astrologer at his house. He narrated the whole event to his wife. It was revealed that the man who came to the astrologer was the one astrologer stabbed him near death. The astrologer left the village because of this incident. Now, he was happy after finding the man alone. His heart was feeling good.
Analysis
This story provides a narrative of how the past always follows us. Astrologer thought that the man was no more but soon he met him. He was feeling unhappy believing himself as a murderer. The meeting with the man eased his heart.
Further, the Astrologer had never given good suggestions to anyone. The suggestion to the man saved two lives. He and the man were both saved from further mishaps. You will love this story because it is full of suspense till the end. The truth is unveiled at the ending pages.
Themes
The major themes learned are:
Guilt
Astrologer lived most of his life in guilt. He always believed that he took someone’s life. His guilt vanished after finding the man alive.
Fate
People trust astrologer. Their attitude toward life changes according to astrologer predictions.
Redemption
The astrologer was always followed by his past. The redemption of his deed presented a final chance for him to make amends and improve his life.
Moral Lessons
Here are life lessons for readers:
- Never deceive or betray anyone.
- We must remember that our actions always follow us.
- We can improve the faults after getting a chance.
Symbols
Turban
It was part of the Astrologer’s dressing. It symbolizes the appearance of astrologers.
Lamp
It defines the power of astrologer to shed light on people’s future. He was manipulating them with his words.
Review:
- The writing style was simple. It seems to a creative writing. Further, you will get attached to the story till the end. The truth revealed in the end would astonish you.
Conclusion: An Astrologer’s Day Summary & Analysis
An Astrologer Day by RK Narayan explores themes of redemption and fear. The plot was about the encounter of an astrologer with Guru Nayak. They both challenged each other. The astrologer was feeling confused about the state. Soon. he saw the face of the man and remembered an event.