Character Sketch of Raju in R. K. Narayan's 'The Guide'

• “We are free to infer that, on the last day of the fast, Raju, "Swami” dies opportunely, a martyr.” – Discuss.

• Some are born saints, some achieve sanctity, and some have sanctity thrust upon them. Perhaps, Raju is one of these last! –Discuss.

• Sketch of the  Character of – Raju in R. K. Narayan's The Guide.

Introduction

In his last three novels, Mr. Sampath (1948) The Financial Expert (1952) Waiting for the Mahatma (1955) , R. K. Narayan has been trying – like a stonemason laboring to make a goddess come out of a stone – to make a good man, a godly man, grow out of a man of the earth. Raju in The Guide (1958) is doubtless half knave half fool, and he remains such when he allows himself to be mistaken for a Swami, a spiritual Guide, by the simple people of Mangala. But some days after he is trapped into commencing his fast, change gradually comes over him: “For the first time in his life he was making an earnest effort, for the first time he was learning the thrill of full application, outside money and love; for the first time he was doing a thing in which he was not personally interested.” He fasts, and he prays and he enjoys this experience, this enjoyment, he teals himself is something the faith of the people made a new man of him? Isn’t he redeemed indeed? Some are born saints some achieve sanctity and some have sanctity thrust upon them, perhaps Raju is one of the last!

A Romantic or A rascal

Raju's character in R.K. Narayan's The Guide is a multi-dimensional and complex figure, whose transformation, charm, moral conflicts, and journey of self-discovery captivate readers and offer profound insights into human nature and society. The principal character of The Guide , Raju is a romantic doubled with a rascal like his fictional predecessor, Margayya. Raju too plays many parts and puts into practice some of the pregnant ideas on Tourism. Trying to help a rich visitor, Marco in his researches, Raju is involved in a tangle of new relationships. Rosie, Mareo’s wife becomes Raju’s lover. Abandoned by Marco, Rosie realizes with Raju’s help, her ambition of becoming a dancer. But his possessive instinct finally betrays him into a criminal action, and he is charged of and convicted of forgery. The railway Raju becomes Raju guide and entrepreneur and a convict, a seducer like Alec. 

R. K. Narayan

Caught in the coil of his self-deception

  Coming out of the jail, Raju cuts off all connection with the past and sets up as a sort of as ascetic or mahatma. And once again caught in the coils of his own self deception, and he is obliged to undertake a twenty day fast to end a drought that threatens the district with a famine. In vain he tells his chief disciple Velan, the whole truth about himself and Rosie, and about the crash and the incarceration. But nobody would now believe that he is or has been-anyone other than a mahatma. He has made his bed, and he must perforce lie on it. We are free inferring that on the last day of the fast he dies opportunely, a martyr: …… “Velan, its raining in the hills. I am can feel it coming up under my feet, up my legs…. And with that he sagged down.

Does it really rain? 

Does it really rains or is it only Raju’s optical delusion? Does he really die or merely sink down in exhaustion? Has the lie really become truth or has it been merely exposed? We are free to conclude was we like; Narayan might say in Pirandellian fashion “Right you are if you think so!”

Realization and Nemesis in Raju’s life

The present and past are cunningly jumbled to produce an impression of suspense and anticipation in The Guide. We begin with Raju’s release from prison and Velan’s recognition Swami in him. The earlier history of Raju is supposed to be related by him to Velan much later when the fast is in progress. This zig-zag narration gives piquancy to the novel with out quite confusing the reader. We are enable to see the action as Raju sees it, and as the latter Raju sober sees the earlier Raju Drunk. Yet Raju lacks the sheer exuberance and vitality of Sampath  and Margayya. 

After all the alarums and excursions, all the excitement and suspense, all the regrets and recriminations Raju realizes that neither Marco nor I had any place in Rosie’s life which had its own sustaining vitality and which she herself had underestimated all along Rosie’s own summing my is masterly : I felt all along you were not doing right things. This is karma. What can we do? There is in deed no failure of nemesis in The Guide. 

 Conclusion

In The Guide the hero Raju floats as gently as a lily pad on the surface of Indian life and yet suggests to the depths beneath. It manages to describe a saint who is neither born, made, but simply happens almost like the weather. Raju is a captivating portrayal of a flawed yet compelling individual on a transformative journey. Through his charm, moral conflicts, and quest for redemption, discovery of self, Raju serves as a mirror to reflect the complexities of human nature and the societal forces that shape our lives. Particularly it hints at the growth of self search, a spiritual guide en route to the discovery of the essence of India. Narayan's masterful characterization of Raju leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of self-reflection and the potential for personal growth and change.

Key Points Covered:

👉Transformation: Raju undergoes a transformative journey from a small-time trickster to a revered spiritual guide, showcasing his evolution from a morally ambiguous character to one seeking redemption and self-discovery.

👉Charismatic and Charming: Raju possesses a charismatic and charming personality that enables him to effortlessly win over people and manipulate situations to his advantage.

👉Complex Moral Compass: Raju's character exhibits a complex moral compass, often torn between self-interest and the desire to do the right thing. This internal conflict adds depth and realism to his portrayal.

👉Adaptability: Raju demonstrates remarkable adaptability, seamlessly transitioning from a tourist guide to a spiritual advisor, highlighting his resourcefulness and ability to navigate various roles in life.

👉Flawed Hero: Raju is a flawed hero, making mistakes and facing the consequences of his actions. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain.

👉Sense of Empathy: Despite his flaws, Raju displays a sense of empathy towards others, often becoming emotionally invested in their lives and struggles. This empathy adds a humanistic touch to his character.

👉Symbol of Illusion: Raju represents the illusionary nature of fame and success, as he builds his image as a spiritual guide based on deception and fabricated miracles. This symbolizes the deceptive nature of human desires.

👉Narrator and Observer: Raju serves as both the protagonist and the narrator of the story, allowing readers to see events through his perspective and gain insight into his inner thoughts and motivations.

👉Journey of Self-Discovery: Raju's character arc revolves around a journey of self-discovery, as he confronts his own weaknesses, faces the consequences of his actions, and ultimately seeks spiritual enlightenment and redemption.

👉Reflection of Indian Society: Raju's character reflects various aspects of Indian society, including its fascination with spirituality, the influence of tradition, and the struggle for personal identity within a rapidly changing world.

Now give short answer of the following questions:

a. What story of Buddha does Raju tell in the beginning to influence his listeners with his knowledge?

b. Which school does Raju intend to study in? Why does his father not send him to that school?

c. ‘Wanted: an educated, good-looking girl to marry a rich bachelor of academic interests ...‘Whose matrimonial consists of these words? Comment on the social significance of this matrimonial.

d. ‘For the first time in his life he was making an earnest effort’. Which effort is referred to here? Why is it earnest?

e. On which myths is Narayan’s The Guide based? Discuss the myths in The Guide.

f. What is the significance of Rosie’s name? How has Narayan depicted her relationship with Marco?  

g. How does Narayan’s Malgudi depict a picture of India? What significance does the name Malgudi have?

h. ‘I had managed to get a medical certificate to say that I needed alcohol for my welfare.’ When does Raju make this remark? What social significance does this remark have?

i. ‘Hundreds of people were now walking across the lake bed to visit the temple ...‘Which temple is referred to here? Does this have any connection with the source of The Guide?

Ardhendu De

Ref:

1.Sen, K. (2004, June 1). Critical Essays on R. K. Narayan’s the Guide: With an Introduction to Narayan’S-Novels.

2.The guide : Narayan, R. K., 1906-2001 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/guide0000nara