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Questions and Answers
What is the setting of the short story 'An Astrologer’s Day'?
What is the setting of the short story 'An Astrologer’s Day'?
What is the astrologer's attire in the story?
What is the astrologer's attire in the story?
What is the characteristic ending of R. K. Narayan's stories?
What is the characteristic ending of R. K. Narayan's stories?
How does the astrologer conduct his business?
How does the astrologer conduct his business?
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What is the source of light for the astrologer at night?
What is the source of light for the astrologer at night?
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R. K. Narayan's stories are located in the imaginary town of
R. K. Narayan's stories are located in the imaginary town of
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The astrologer sits under the ______ tree with his cowrie shells and other paraphernalia
The astrologer sits under the ______ tree with his cowrie shells and other paraphernalia
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The astrologer paints sacred ash and vermillion on his forehead and wears ______ color dress
The astrologer paints sacred ash and vermillion on his forehead and wears ______ color dress
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In his business, the astrologer generally allows the customers to speak as much as they can, in order to gather
In his business, the astrologer generally allows the customers to speak as much as they can, in order to gather
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The crisscross of lights with shadows creates an atmosphere suitable to the business of the
The crisscross of lights with shadows creates an atmosphere suitable to the business of the
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Why does the main character become an astrologer?
Why does the main character become an astrologer?
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How does the astrologer make his predictions?
How does the astrologer make his predictions?
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Describe the astrologer's personality.
Describe the astrologer's personality.
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Why does the customer want the astrologer's advice?
Why does the customer want the astrologer's advice?
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Describe the tone of 'An Astrologer's Day'.
Describe the tone of 'An Astrologer's Day'.
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What attracts customers to the astrologer?
What attracts customers to the astrologer?
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What lights up the astrologer's place of business?
What lights up the astrologer's place of business?
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What must the astrologer give the last client if his answers are unsatisfactory?
What must the astrologer give the last client if his answers are unsatisfactory?
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Why is the astrologer able to satisfy Guru Nayak?
Why is the astrologer able to satisfy Guru Nayak?
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Who is the author of 'An Astrologer's Day'?
Who is the author of 'An Astrologer's Day'?
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What is the theme of most of Narayan's work?
What is the theme of most of Narayan's work?
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What did Narayan say about going to school and how did his family feel about education?
What did Narayan say about going to school and how did his family feel about education?
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What is Narayan's first novel?
What is Narayan's first novel?
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What does 'enhance' mean?
What does 'enhance' mean?
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What does 'impetuous' mean?
What does 'impetuous' mean?
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What does 'paraphernalia' mean?
What does 'paraphernalia' mean?
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What does 'piqued' mean?
What does 'piqued' mean?
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What does 'incantation' mean?
What does 'incantation' mean?
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Study Notes
Setting and Atmosphere
- The setting of the short story 'An Astrologer’s Day' is not specified, but it is likely set in the imaginary town of Malgudi.
The Astrologer's Appearance and Setup
- The astrologer wears a yellow dress and has sacred ash and vermillion painted on his forehead.
- He sits under a banyan tree with his cowrie shells and other paraphernalia.
Business and Interaction
- The astrologer conducts his business by allowing customers to speak as much as they can, in order to gather information.
- The source of light for the astrologer at night is not specified, but the crisscross of lights with shadows creates an atmosphere suitable to his business.
Story Characteristics
- R. K. Narayan's stories are typically set in the imaginary town of Malgudi.
- His stories often have a characteristic ending, although the specifics of this ending are not specified.
Astrologer's Day Summary
- The main character becomes an astrologer to earn money in a struggling economy.
- The astrologer fabricates predictions based on information provided by clients, showcasing his cleverness.
- He possesses a tricky personality, adept at manipulation and reading people's emotions.
- A customer seeks the astrologer's advice to track down a man who previously attempted to kill him.
- The tone of "An Astrologer's Day" is comic, filled with humor and irony in the character's encounters.
- The astrologer attracts clients by presenting himself as a typical mind reader, creating an illusion of authenticity.
- His business is lit up by surrounding shops and flares, as he operates without a specific establishment.
- If the astrologer's answers are unsatisfactory, he must refund the last client double the fee, reflecting his commitment to service.
- He satisfies Guru Nayak by providing accurate information about himself, demonstrating his uncanny insight.
- R.K. Narayan, who lived from 1906 to 2001, is the esteemed author of "An Astrologer's Day."
- A recurring theme in Narayan's works is the pursuit of peace amidst a turbulent world, reflecting human struggles.
- Narayan regarded school as a waste of time, contrasting his family’s high value on education.
- His first novel, "Swami and Friends," published in 1935, received praise from literary figure Graham Greene.
- "Enhance" refers to the act of making something better or improving its quality.
- "Impetuous" characterizes rash or impulsive actions without careful consideration.
- "Paraphernalia" denotes the equipment or items necessary for a specific activity or purpose.
- "Piqued" describes a state of anger or offense due to a perceived slight.
- "Incantation" refers to specific words or phrases spoken with the intention of invoking a magical effect.
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Description
Test your knowledge of R. K. Narayan's short story "An Astrologer’s Day" with this quiz. Explore the setting, characters, and themes of the story, and see how much you know about the acclaimed author's writing style and use of irony.