R. K. Narayan 's essay , A Writer’s Nightmare : Critical Observation on Censorship of Writings and Writers by the Governmental Parameters

Exploring Tradition and Progress: The Character of Natraj in R. K. Narayan's "Man-Eater of Malgudi"

Tradition, Nostalgia, and the Conflict of Progress: Exploring the Character of Natraj in R. K. Narayan's "Man-Eater of Malgudi"

It is generally seen that the heroes of R. K. Narayan (1906-2001) are broad, reflective and going back to the past, grown nostalgic. In the "Man Eater of Malgudi" (1961)the central character Natraj similarly broods, reflects and grows nostalgic. S. R. Ramteke regards Natraj a timid cowardly person – “he is portrayed as cowardly submissive and good for nothing fellow”. Natraj plays a significant role in the narrative. Natraj is the central character and owner of the printing press in the fictional town of Malgudi. Through Natraj's experiences, the author explores themes of tradition, modernity, and the conflict between progress and preservation.

Natraj's Journey: Confronting the Clash of Tradition and Modernity in R.K. Narayan's "Man-Eater of Malgudi"

Natraj is portrayed as an ordinary and unassuming man who is content with his life and work. He takes pride in his printing press, which serves as a hub of information and communication in Malgudi. As a character, Natraj represents the traditional values and customs of the town. He is deeply rooted in the past and resists change, preferring to maintain the status quo. Natraj is a prosperous seasoned printer of Malgudi. He has a small, cosy, warm world which there is his loving wife, his pretty son Babu, his dear friends, the poet sen and his sincere assistant, Sastri, a semi-scholar. He is some what timid hen pecked, religious, simple, gentle, modest, sensitive and intelligent. He is a simple, gentleman and the world in which he lives seemed to be gay and innocent. However, Natraj's world is disrupted when Vasu, a taxidermist and the titular "man-eater," arrives in Malgudi. Vasu's arrogant and domineering nature clashes with Natraj's peaceful and harmonious existence. This conflict between the old and the new, between tradition and progress, forms the crux of Natraj's character development. It is when he faces with Vasu, he realizes the raw realities of life. Natraj is temperamentally somewhat becomes timid to Vasu because he has developed  a fear phobia for him (Vasu). He has the weakness and so he always take his wife into confidence. It is his weakness which tortures him the most. His fear of Vasu remains until Vasu dies. His timidness admits his weakness.

Natraj: The Gentle Soul in the Face of Adversity and Celebration

Natraj is unworldly, he is blessed with touch of spiritualism. Though he is cheated by the lawyer and Vasu, Natraj is so gentle that he does not demand money from them. He does not find any difference between the employer and the employee and he works together with them -naturally very co-cooperatively. He helps Mathu in finding out a veterinary doctor for the treatment of Kumar. He has to undergo many hardships and hurdles. how amply he neglects his pressure business to celebrate the marriage of Radha and Krishna based on poem composed by the poet!

Natraj's Unwavering Love: Protecting Kumar and Safeguarding Family in R.K. Narayan's "Man-Eater of Malgudi"

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Natraj’s love for Kumar knows no bound when he learns that Vasu plots to murder the elephants, he is consciously concerned. He lives no stone unturned in saving the life of Kumar. He is even prepared to neglect his business. The thought of murdering Kumar by Vasu never remain aloof from him. He thinks various plans and finally he risks his life when he enters in the attic of Vasu for checking him. He picks up the gun of Vasu so that he may not shoot Kumar. His love for his wife and son is very much tender and true. He is loveable husband and affectionate father. He always wants to clear all the ills from the path of his family life.

Unveiling the Struggle Within: Natraj's Journey in Balancing Tradition and Progress

 As the story progresses, Natraj finds himself caught between his loyalty to his friend, Sastri, and his growing unease with Vasu's behavior. He is torn between preserving the peace and order of Malgudi and confronting the threat posed by Vasu. Natraj's inner conflict is symbolic of the larger struggle faced by society in the face of changing times. Throughout the novel, Natraj's character undergoes a transformation. He evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in the events unfolding around him. As he confronts Vasu, Natraj becomes more assertive and learns to stand up for what he believes is right. His journey represents the individual's struggle to adapt and find a balance between tradition and progress. Natraj's character also serves as a critique of blind adherence to tradition. Narayan presents a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage while acknowledging the need for adaptation and growth. Natraj's internal conflict and eventual resolution reflect the author's exploration of these themes.

The Dualities of Natraj: Religious and Philosophical Reflections in R.K. Narayan's "Man-Eater of Malgudi"

In spite of his all businesses, he is a religious, spiritual minded. He takes keen interest in the mythological discussion with Sastri. He arranges a procession with pomp and fanfare for celebrating Radha-Krishna marriage. His philosophical outlook is noticed when he utters besides the dead body of Vasu – “Where is all your bragging …………. How, and all your pushing and pulling and argument? Are you in heaven or hell? Where ever you are, are you still ordering people around”. Natraj’s sympathy for Vasu is well pronounced when he says – “I was depressed to think that a man who had twisted and burst three inch panel doors with his first was going to do nothing more than lie still and wait for the doctor to cut him and examines his insides to find out what had caused his death”.

Conclusion and Critical Comment

P.S. Sundaram regards Natraj as a benevolent person who fears the ruthlessness and believes in fatalism. To the critics, Natraj thinks that – “What is faled must be endured and that the good nuist prevail in the end”. To him again …. “Natraj’s character is all of a piece”.

Natraj’s character appears prominent if we contrast him with that of Vasu. William Walsh contrasts the “Passivity of Natraj with the violence of taxidermist hunter, Vasu who is not only a character but also an oppressive and destructive force”. Natraj is brought up in a family where he is taught never to kill animal, to feet the ants with sugar, to share his food with the crows and the sparrows, and to allow the squirrel and the sparrows deplete the granary. But, after Vasu’s coming Natraj’s establishment is turned into a charnel house. 

Ardhendu De

References

1. Ramtake, S. (1998, June 30). R. K. Narayan and His Social Perspectives.

2. Readings in Commonwealth literature : Walsh, William, 1916-1996 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/readingsincommon0000wals

3. R.K. Narayan as a Novelist , P. S. Sundaram , B.R. Publishing Corporation, 1988

4. MAN EATER OF MALGUDI - ENGLISH - R. K. NARAYAN : R. K. NARAYAN : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/ManEaterOfMalgudi-English-R.K.Narayan

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