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.

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.