Summary of An Astrologer’s Day

An Astrologer’s Day by R. K. Narayan is a short story filled with suspense and irony, centered on a single day in the life of a street astrologer. The story exposes the astrologer as a clever fraud who depends on observation, guesswork, and people’s superstitions to earn a living. At the same time, it highlights the gullibility of those who blindly believe in astrology. What begins as an ordinary day for the astrologer ends with a dramatic and unexpected encounter.

As the astrologer prepares to close his business for the night, he meets a rough and aggressive man named Guru Nayak. This meeting brings back dark memories from the astrologer’s past. It is gradually revealed that both men belong to the same native village and were once friends. Years earlier, they had fallen into bad company and quarreled one night. During the fight, the astrologer stabbed Guru Nayak and, believing he had killed him, threw his body into a well.

Unknown to the astrologer, Guru Nayak survived with the help of a passerby. Haunted by guilt and fear, the astrologer fled his village and began a new life under a false identity as an astrologer. The present encounter forces him to confront the crime he thought was buried forever.

The darkness of the evening provides the astrologer with a sense of protection as Guru Nayak challenges his powers and demands answers. Despite being terrified, the astrologer gathers courage and cleverly uses his knowledge of Guru Nayak’s past to convince him. He falsely tells Guru Nayak that his attacker is already dead, thereby misleading him and saving himself.

The story ends with the astrologer feeling relieved that his victim is alive and that he has escaped punishment. Through suspense, irony, and a sudden twist, Narayan shows how appearances can be deceptive and how intelligence and presence of mind help the astrologer survive a dangerous situation.

Exercise of An Astrologer’s Day

Understanding the text

a. How does the astrologer’s appearance help him attract customers? How does he help the customers satisfy their needs?
The astrologer’s appearance plays an important role in attracting customers. His saffron turban, mysterious look, and intense eyes give people the impression that he possesses supernatural powers. Customers believe his eyes have a prophetic glow. He satisfies their needs by cleverly analyzing their problems related to marriage, money, and family and giving answers that sound convincing and reassuring.

b. How do you characterize the astrologer’s attitude toward the stranger?
At first, the astrologer treats the stranger as an ordinary customer. However, once he recognizes him, his attitude changes to fear and caution, and he becomes alert and defensive.

c. What details does the astrologer give the stranger about his past?
The astrologer tells the stranger that he was once stabbed with a knife and thrown into a well to die, but was saved by passers by who found him unconscious.

d. Why does he advise the stranger to go home immediately?
He advises the stranger to go home immediately to avoid further danger and suffering in his life, and to stop searching for the man who tried to kill him.

e. What is your reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife?
The conversation is revealing and ironic. The astrologer confesses that he once believed he had killed a man, but now feels relieved to learn that the man is alive. This moment exposes his guilt and highlights the clever twist at the end of the story.

Reference to the context

a. Suspense is the feeling of anticipation you may have as you read. In this story, what details contributed to your feelings of suspense and surprise? Explain.
Suspense is created through hints about the astrologer’s mysterious past and his sudden fear when he sees the stranger’s face in the light of a matchstick. The final revelation that the astrologer himself was the attacker provides a surprising and dramatic twist.

b. Analyze the conflicts in “An Astrologer’s Day.” Explain how the conflicts are resolved and what they reveal about the characters involved in the story.
The main conflict arises when Guru Nayak challenges the astrologer to reveal the truth about his past. The astrologer resolves the conflict using intelligence and presence of mind by convincing Guru Nayak that his attacker is dead. This reveals the astrologer’s cleverness and survival instinct.

c. “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like.”

i. Who is the speaker?
The speaker is the astrologer.

ii. Who is he speaking to?
He is speaking to Guru Nayak.

iii. What does the expression ‘open my mouth’ mean?
It means to reveal information or speak convincingly about the stranger’s past.

d. Description helps readers visualize what is happening in a story. What details and techniques does the author use to describe the astrologer?
The author uses detailed physical description, setting, and dialogue to portray the astrologer as intelligent, resourceful, and deceptive. His dress, manner of speech, and bargaining skills help readers visualize his character clearly.

e. Irony is a contrast between appearances and reality. What is ironic about Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer?
The irony lies in the fact that Guru Nayak seeks help from the very man who once tried to kill him, without realizing the truth.

f. How does the astrologer’s manner of dress suit his character?
His saffron turban and dramatic appearance suit his role as a fake astrologer, helping him appear wise and trustworthy to superstitious people.

Reference beyond the text

a. The astrologer attracts many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them. What does this tell you about the people of the town walking in the street?
It shows that the people are superstitious, easily impressed, and eager to believe in fortune telling.

b. Why do most people want to know their future? Do you think astrologers can really help them know their future?
People are curious and anxious about their future. While genuine astrologers may offer guidance, many depend on guesswork and blind faith.

c. Is astrology a good practice of fortune telling or is it just a blind faith? Give reasons.
Astrology is often based on belief rather than proven facts. While some people find comfort in it, it largely depends on faith rather than certainty.