R.K.

NARAYANAN
 R. K NARAYANAN
• Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Narayanswamy stood shortened to
R.K.Narayan, on Graham Greene’s advice.
• Narayan lived till ninety-five, writing for more than fifty years, and
publishing till he was eighty seven. He wrote fifteen novels, five
volumes of short stories, a number of travelogues and collection of
non-fiction, English translation of Indian epics, and the memoirs
“My Days” — that gives Narayan his place among the finest story-
tellers of modern English.
• He weaved a world existing nowhere, but striking a chord of perfect
reality with readers across the English reading peoples. His books
appeal in a quiet, reassuring way and have a remained popular over
many decades. His writing is also part of literature coursework in
some American universities.
 The Story
• Selvi – humble beginnings ( Vinayak Mudali
Streets)
• Discovered by Mohan . ( page 33) …sitting cross
legged …( indicating respect and godliness )
• Married in secrecy
• Fame and fortune – bought Lawley terrace
( description of the house – page 32)
Selvi’s
response
 The story
• Selvi went on … automaton , switching on and
off … ( page 35)
• Turning point – Selvi’s mother’s death .
Change in Selvi
… never . I’m staying here as I did before … ( page
36)
… I need nothing …
… I can’t bear the sight of anyone
 Main Characters
• Selvi- loyal and obedient wife – undemanding,
uninquiring , uncomplaining ( pg 34)
• Mohan – manager of Selvi’s life and career

Stock Characters
• Varma- regards her as the divine singer. A worshipper.
• Selvi’s mother – her music teacher . Her death became
Selvi’s turning point
 Subject matter
• Life- needs and challenges

Theme
• Seeking one’s identity
• Self contentment
 Literary devices
Metaphor
• Hem her in … (page 31)
• Everyone curried Mohan’s favour and goodwill
in the hope that it would lead him to the
proximity of the star. ( page 34)
• Automaton – switching on and off her music
as ordered ( page 35)
The portrayal of women