Comment on the influence of English—the language and the way of life —on Indian life as reflected in the story. What is the narrator’s attitude to English?
The story shows how the villagers are really excited to meet Ranga who has returned from Bangalore after studying English. They think that after studying English Ranga might have undergone some physical changes as well. They gather in large numbers in front of his house but as soon as they see that he is the same old person, they return feeling dejected. This shows the influence of English language on villages. The narrator is averse to English and its fleeting usage in the native language Kannada. The narrator considers it disgraceful. However, Ranga was influenced by the English language and culture. He wanted to marry a mature girl and not a present-day bride. The narrator did not approve of this thought.
Astrologers’ perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars. Comment with reference to the story.
In this story, the astrologer is helping the narrator trick a young man into believing that Ratna is the right choice for him. In reference to the story, the astrologer is presented in a bad light. After the duo trick Ranga, they sit together and discuss the entire thing. Narrator congratulates the astrologer for repeating everything that he had taught him without raising any suspicion. He also mocks his shastra. Though the astrologer is offended by the statement, the entire scene clearly portrays how his perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than the study of the stars.
Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.
A decade ago the marriages were arranged by the family members but this has changed drastically with time. Now, everyone wants a partner who is equal to them in all capacities. Men want to marry a mature working woman who is also self-sufficient. Women in the past were treated as mere objects on display who would be selected only based on their looks and the ability to cook food. Now, this has changed to a large extent.
What kind of a person do you think the narrator is?
A narrator is an elderly person who has a generous and loving personality. He is shocked by Ranga’s decision to remain a bachelor if he doesn’t find a girl he thinks is good enough for him. The narrator, therefore, decides to find a girl for Ranga and this shows his concern for him. He is a good judge of human character and loves fun and humour. He is also a gentleman who always wants good for others. In the story, it can be seen that the narrator doesn’t approve of English custom of love-marriage.