0
In Gateman’s Gift by R.K. Narayan we have the theme of fear, paralysis, insecurity, suffering, social opinion, pride and identity. Taken from his Malgudi Days collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that Narayan may be exploring the theme of fear. Singh lives in fear of opening the registered letter that has been sent to him. So crippling is Singh’s fear that he believes himself to be going mad. Though the logical thing to do would be to open the letter and discover whether the letter holds good or bad news Singh isn’t able to do this. It is also interesting that Singh loses interest in his clay-modelling because of the fear he feels over the letter. This loss of interest is important as it highlights just how overpowering the fear is for Singh. It is also interesting that Singh never thinks about just getting over what may be in the letter if the contents of the letter are of a bad nature. It is as though he would rather not know whether the letter contains good or bad news. If anything there is a sense of paralysis in the story. Singh is unable to move forward as long as he leaves the letter unopened. Rather he believes himself to be going mad based solely on the opinions of others. Which may suggest that Singh may be somewhat insecure about his identity. He doesn’t appear to have the strength to trust his own mind and is swayed by social opinion.
The fact that some of Singh’s clay models are copies of his old work environment may also be important as it suggests that Singh remembers with fondness his time as a Gateman. It may also be significant that Singh fears he may have upset his old boss by bringing the models into the pension office when Singh was collecting his pension. As this suggests that Singh still respects his old boss and does not wish to upset him. Singh’s respect for his old boss is mirrored by his boss’ respect for him. Something that is noticeable when the accountant opens the letter for Singh and the reader realises that Singh’s old boss admires all his clay models. Admires them so much that he has given him an extra one hundred rupees. There is also no doubting that Singh suffers, because of his fear, throughout the story. However Singh’s wife also suffers and after the letter arrives and remains unopened she is careful. So careful that she stays out of Singh’s way.
It might also be a case that Narayan is exploring the theme of pride. Singh is proud of his job as a Gateman. While some critics might suggest that his role is at the lower end of the employment scale. Singh doesn’t look at things like that. He is happy to be able to be part of something. To have some responsibility and to get paid for it too. The village that Singh makes that reminds him of his father’s village also appears to be the one clay model that Singh is most proud of. It is as though the model of the village is part of Singh’s identity. Yet he destroys it in a moment of madness all because of his fear to open the letter. Though it is clear that Singh is not really mad he does through stress do things that would be deemed inappropriate. One of these things is the breaking of the bulb which results in Singh getting arrested. Which the reader suspects is out of character for Singh. At no other stage of the story has Singh been in trouble.
The end of the story is also interesting as Singh despite the praises of his boss, gives up making clay models. It’s difficult to say for certain as to why this might be but it is possible that Singh is equating the clay modelling to the madness he went through.
It is sick, I mean really sick, that people need a summary of such short a story that can be read in less than 10 minutes. God save the Literature!
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Better late - rk narayan?
Better late
What is the character sketch of thanappa in the missing mail by rk narayan?
Dhtdutdutsyfsrsyx dusre udte. Iyfghdyd. I6dhfd
What is Kenny dykstra's finishing move?
Doane-Nation, RK-Doane, Sky High Leg Drop.
Who is Julia from Money Talks?
Julia or Roxy is a RK model, i think her full name is Julia Snowden
What is the Plot of Like The sun by RK Narayan?
Sekhar, a teacher, is thinking about truth. He feels that truth is like the sun—you cannot look at it directly. He believes that people spend their lives avoiding truth. Sekhar decides to spend one day telling only the truth. That morning, he tells his wife that the breakfast she has made is not good. At school, one of the teachers tells him that someone they know has died. Sekhar replies that the man was selfish and mean. Then the headmaster invites Sekhar to his house. He knows that Sekhar has good taste in music, and he wants Sekhar to listen to his singing. In return, the headmaster tells Sekhar that he can have extra time to grade some test papers. Sekhar listens to the headmaster sing. The singing is terrible. Sekhar is afraid that he will lose his job if he tells the truth about the headmaster’s singing. Sekhar tells the headmaster that his singing is not good. The headmaster thanks him for being honest and says that now he does not have to continue paying the music teacher but he tell Sekhar that he has to finish checking the 100 papers before tomorrow morning.
You want free summary of the guide by rk narayan?
Yes
Who wrote the book the guide?
rk narayan
What are accomplishments of rk narayan?
blah blah blah
Which state of India is RK Narayan from?
Tamil Nadu
Better late - rk narayan?
Better late
Who is an elder brother of RK Narayan?
His brother is R.K. Laxman.
What is full name of RK Narayan?
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami.
Could you Comment on the language techniques used in 'The Hero By RK Narayan?
I want the same answer....
On what note does rk narayan's a horse and two goats end?
Don't involve me. I will go away to my parents….”
What is the character sketch of thanappa in the missing mail by rk narayan?
Dhtdutdutsyfsrsyx dusre udte. Iyfghdyd. I6dhfd
Which president of India is r k Narayanan?
RK Narayan is a highly successful and influential author. Google him. He was not an Indian president!
What is summary a story a hero written by RK narayan?
"A Hero" by R.K. Narayan is about a devoted and respectful servant named Swami who earns the title of a hero in the village after he rescues a little girl from a dangerous situation. Despite his humble origins, Swami's actions show that bravery and heroism can come from unexpected places. The story highlights the idea that true heroism is not defined by grand gestures, but by acts of kindness and selflessness.
