Question

What do you know about R.K. Narayan's novel 'The Guide'?

Answer 1

Ans. The Guide is a fantastic novel by R.K. Narayan. It is a story about Raju, a convict turned Mahatma. The story begins and ends with him. He begins his life as a stall-keeper at the railway station. There he buys secondhand books, learn about various things from them, and then finally sells them to make a profit. But his eyes are set high. He becomes a tourist guide, a Mr. Know-all, whom every visitor to Malgudi looks for. He comes in contact with Marco, an archaeologist, and his wife Rosie. Marco has come to Malgudi to study some historical caves. Raju and Rosie, a neglected wife, are drawn to each other. Rosie tells Raju about her inbred ambition for becoming a dancer. Raju does everything to see that Rosie achieves her lifelong dream. But Raju falls into the trap. Marco sets for him. He is charged with forgery and sentenced to imprisonment. After he is discharged from jail, he comes to a temple in a lonely place on the bank of river Saryu. Here he plays the part of a saint. At the end he decides to undergo an ordeal to bring rain. During his fast, he sags down and the story comes to an end.