An Astrologer’s Day Quiz

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.