R.K. Narayan: Short Stories Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

R.K. Narayan: Short Stories Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Companionship - “The Mute Companions”

The monkey is Sami’s idyllic mate. R. K Narayan writes, “Thus they (Sami and the Monkey) spent three years. Three years is a long time when we remember that every second of those three years they were together; they worked, ate, and slept together.” The classic camaraderie between Sami and the monkey outshines the friendship that exists between Sami and other beggars. The monkey bequeaths Sami company and comradeship which are contributory to his endurance.

‘Treasure House' - “The Mute Companions”

R. K Narayan elucidates, “He (Sami) was invited to come up the front steps and hold the show on the veranda. The show was held for the exclusive pleasure of a little boy who lay on a couch a midst pillows, covered with a green shawl. As he watched the monkey perform, his waxen face lit up with life, and he took his medicine and food without protest. The master of the house beamed on all those assembled. Sami felt he has discovered a treasure house.” The allegorical ‘treasure house’ deduces that Sami is persuaded that his services and the monkey would be wanted at the house since there are ready spectators. Sami is convinced that he would make a satisfactory earning from the house owing to the prosperity of the owners.

Palms - “An Astrologer’s Day”

The client’s palm is a fundamental asset for the astrologer: “When he told the person before him, gazing at his palm, ‘In many ways you are not getting the fullest results for your efforts,’ nine out of ten were disposed to agree with him.” The astrological evaluations are based on the indications of the palm. Based on the proportion of clients that concur with him; then the palm guides the astrologer in the diagnosis of human problems.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.