An Astrologer's Day: R. K. Narayan

Story: An Astrologer's Day

Genre: Short story

About the author:

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami (10 October 1906 – 13 May 2001), better known as R. K. Narayan, was an Indian writer and novelist known for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.

Source: An Astrologer's day is taken from the 'Malgudi Days'. The story was first published in The Dial in 1947.
Plot summary
The story is about a man who makes a living as an astrologer, sitting under a tree in a busy street every day and offering to tell the fortune of any passer-by who is willing to pay for him to do so. However, the ‘astrologer’ in reality knows little of the stars, and instead tends to rely on shrewd guesses, cold reading, and letting his clients talk for long enough for him to gain enough background to their lives in order to create the illusion that he somehow knows things about them which they have not told him.
He also tends to tell them things which he senses they want to hear, knowing that people are more likely to be willing to hand over money to someone who tells them positive things rather than someone who delivers bad news.
One night, as he is preparing to head home having finished his evening’s work, the astrologer spots a man and invites him to sit with him and have his fortune read. However, the stranger calls into doubt the astrologer’s abilities, and challenges him. He will give him an anna (one-sixteenth of a rupee) but if the astrologer’s answer is unsatisfactory, the astrologer must pay him the anna back, with interest.
They negotiate, and the stranger agrees to pay the astrologer eight annas if he gives him satisfactory answers, but the astrologer must give the stranger more than that if he fails to prove his talents.
After an unpromising start, which fails to impress the stranger, the astrologer correctly identifies that the man was stabbed and then thrown into a well, where he was left for dead. He also tells the man his name, Guru Nayak. When Nayak asks the astrologer when he will meet the man who tried to kill him so he can exact his revenge, the astrologer replies that the man died four months ago in a far-off town.
The astrologer then tells Nayak to return home to his village and never leave again. If he does this, he will live to be a hundred. Nayak is only too happy to agree to this, revealing that he only left his village to try to locate the man who almost killed him. Now he knows the man is dead (the astrologer tells him he was crushed under a lorry), he is satisfied.
When the astrologer arrives home to his wife, there is a twist. It turns out that he was the man who attacked Guru Nayak and left him for dead. This is how he knew the man’s identity. He was able to throw Nayak off the scent and save himself from the man’s vengeance, using his authority as an astrologer to advise the man to return home.
Themes:

Deception and Guilt: The story explores the theme of deception as the astrologer deceives his clients and himself about his past. His encounter with the man forces him to confront his guilt and the consequences of his actions.

Fate and Destiny: The belief in astrology reflects the theme of fate and destiny. People seek astrological predictions to understand their future and make sense of their lives.

Redemption: The astrologer’s realization at the end of the story suggests a theme of redemption. Confronting the truth about his past allows him to seek redemption and possibly make amends for his actions.

“An Astrologer’s Day” is a thought-provoking story that delves into human nature, morality, and the complexities of life. It offers insights into the power of belief, deception, and the search for meaning in the face of uncertainty.
Illusion vs. Reality: The story explores the theme of illusion versus reality, as the astrologer’s predictions create a sense of illusion and false hope for his clients, while the truth about his own past confronts him with harsh reality.
Moral Ambiguity: The moral ambiguity of the astrologer’s actions raises questions about ethics and deception. The story prompts readers to consider the consequences of deceit and the complexities of human morality.
Protagonists:
The astrologer: He is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure who uses his knowledge of astrology to deceive people and make a living. Despite his deceptive profession, he is also shown to be introspective and burdened by guilt from his past actions.
Guru Nayak: This character represents someone haunted by guilt and fear, seeking reassurance and guidance from the astrologer. His encounter with the astrologer leads to a surprising revelation about their shared past

Setting:
The marketplace: The bustling marketplace serves as the backdrop for the story, reflecting the diversity of people and the chaotic nature of everyday life. It’s a place where the astrologer interacts with a range of clients, from the curious to the desperate.
Symbolism:
Astrology: Astrology serves as a symbolic element in the story, representing people’s desire to find meaning and control in their lives. The astrologer’s predictions, though based on deception, provide a sense of reassurance and hope to his clients.
Darkness and light: The contrast between darkness (representing deception, guilt, and fear) and light (representing truth, clarity, and redemption) is a recurring theme in the story. The astrologer’s realization at the end brings light to his dark past.
Irony:
The irony of the astrologer’s profession: Despite his occupation as an astrologer, the astrologer himself is unable to predict or foresee the true identity of the man seeking advice. This irony highlights the limitations of astrology and the unpredictability of life.
ding to the unexpected encounter with the man seeking advice. The climax occurs when the astrologer realizes the truth about his past, leading to a moment of introspection and revelation.