Summary of “An Astrologer’s Day”

R.K. Narayan’s short story “An Astrologer’s Day” is set in the fictional town of Malgudi and revolves around a day in the life of an astrologer who has left his past behind and reinvented himself.

The story begins with a vivid description of the astrologer’s workplace, under a large tamarind tree near the busy Town Hall Park. The astrologer, who has no real knowledge of astrology, relies on his sharp observation skills and understanding of human nature to make convincing predictions. He dresses in a manner that suggests wisdom and mysticism: his forehead is adorned with sacred ash and vermilion, and he wears a saffron turban. These elements attract customers and lend him an air of authenticity.

Each day, the astrologer sets up his makeshift stall, displaying cowrie shells, charts, and palm leaves. His business is situated among a variety of vendors and traders, which ensures a steady flow of potential customers. Despite the appearance of wisdom, the astrologer uses general statements and careful observation to make his predictions, managing to satisfy most of his clients.

One evening, as he is preparing to close his shop for the day, a man approaches. This man, named Guru Nayak, challenges the astrologer to prove his skills. Guru Nayak offers to pay if the astrologer can accurately tell him about his past and answer his pressing questions. The astrologer is initially reluctant, sensing danger, but eventually agrees to the challenge.

Guru Nayak demands to know about a specific incident from his past. The astrologer begins with his usual method of making general statements, but Guru Nayak interrupts him, insisting on a more specific answer. The astrologer then makes a bold and accurate revelation: he describes how Guru Nayak was once left for dead after being stabbed and thrown into a well, only to be saved by a passerby. This startlingly accurate account surprises and impresses Guru Nayak.

Encouraged, Guru Nayak asks whether he will ever find the man who attacked him. The astrologer, recognizing the danger, tells Guru Nayak that the man who tried to kill him is no longer alive; he claims the attacker died in a far-off town, crushed under a lorry. He advises Guru Nayak to return to his village and never venture south again, warning him that he will face danger if he continues his search. Relieved and convinced, Guru Nayak pays the astrologer twelve and a half annas, though he had promised a full rupee.

The astrologer, now anxious to get home, quickly packs up his stall. When he arrives home, his wife is worried because he is unusually late. She is delighted when he throws the money he earned at her, seeing it as a substantial amount. She begins planning to buy sweets for their child. However, the astrologer remains preoccupied and thoughtful.

Over dinner, the astrologer confesses a deep secret to his wife. He explains that in his youth, he was a reckless man who got involved in a violent brawl with Guru Nayak. Believing he had killed Guru Nayak, he fled his village and started a new life as an astrologer in Malgudi to escape the fear of being accused of murder. The encounter with Guru Nayak that evening revealed that Guru Nayak had survived the attack, lifting a heavy burden of guilt from the astrologer’s shoulders. He expresses relief, knowing that the past will no longer haunt him.

In “An Astrologer’s Day,” Narayan skillfully weaves a tale of irony, fate, and human psychology. The story reveals how the astrologer’s past unexpectedly catches up with him, forcing him to confront his guilt and fear. Through the character of the astrologer, Narayan explores themes of redemption and the unpredictable nature of life. The story is a testament to Narayan’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with universal themes in a simple yet profound manner.

Analysis of “An Astrologer’s Day”

R.K. Narayan’s “An Astrologer’s Day” is a compelling short story that explores themes of fate, identity, and irony through the life of an ordinary man who reinvents himself to escape his past.

Character Analysis: The main character is an astrologer who earns his living by pretending to have mystical insights into people’s lives. Despite his lack of actual astrological knowledge, he effectively reads his customers using keen observation and general statements. This reflects his shrewdness and deep understanding of human psychology. The astrologer’s true identity and past are hidden beneath his outward appearance, revealing the theme of duality in human nature. He presents himself as wise and spiritual, yet his life is built on deception.

Themes:

1. Fate and Irony: The story delves into the ironies of fate. The astrologer, who spends his days predicting the futures of others, is suddenly confronted by his own past. The twist that the man he thought he had killed, Guru Nayak, is still alive and unknowingly seeks his guidance, adds a layer of irony. The astrologer’s fate intertwines with Guru Nayak’s in an unexpected manner, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
2. Identity and Transformation: The astrologer’s transformation from a village ruffian to a seemingly wise man represents the theme of identity. He runs away from his past and adopts a new persona to survive. His past and present collide when he meets Guru Nayak, forcing him to face his former self. This encounter shows that no matter how much one tries to escape, the past can resurface in surprising ways.
3. Deception and Reality: Deception is a recurring motif in the story. The astrologer deceives his clients daily, but his own life is also based on a deception he created to escape his past actions. This deception comes full circle when he successfully deceives Guru Nayak about his attacker’s fate, securing his own safety. The story suggests that reality is often masked by appearances and that people frequently navigate their lives through layers of deception.

Plot Structure: The plot is tightly woven, centering on a single day that changes the astrologer’s life. The narrative begins with the mundane routine of the astrologer, establishing his methods and setting. The arrival of Guru Nayak introduces conflict and tension. The climax occurs when the astrologer accurately describes Guru Nayak’s past, revealing his own role in it. The resolution is bittersweet: the astrologer is relieved of his guilt but must live with the knowledge of his past actions.

Setting: The setting of the story, a bustling marketplace in the fictional town of Malgudi, adds to the realism and vibrancy of the narrative. The detailed description of the market and the various characters populating it create an authentic backdrop for the story’s events. The setting also reflects the chaos and unpredictability of life, mirroring the astrologer’s inner turmoil.

Symbolism: The astrologer’s saffron turban and ash-marked forehead symbolize his assumed identity and the façade he maintains. The evening setting, transitioning from day to night, symbolizes the transition from his deceptive daily life to the revelation of his hidden past.

Conclusion: “An Astrologer’s Day” is a masterful short story that combines rich characterization, a tightly woven plot, and profound themes. Narayan’s simple yet effective storytelling brings out the complexities of human nature and the ironies of fate. Through the astrologer’s encounter with his past, the story explores the inevitability of facing one’s true self, the power of deception, and the unpredictable twists of life. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to depict these universal themes in a relatable and engaging manner.