Of Malgudi Essay, Research Paper
The Role of Myth
in
R.K. Narayan’s
The Man-Eater of Malgudi
By Jonathan Kassian
961872830 TRIN
In R.K. Narayan’s book The Man-Eater of Malgudi, there exists a deep mythical structure. The story of the peaceful printer Nataraj who must overcome the demon-like Vasu is structured very much like a myth. As myths and spirituality are implicit in Hindu society, the world of Malgudi is full of mythical elements. To complement these mythical elements, comparisons and references are made to various Hindu myths throughout the book, which act as signposts to the significance of what is going on in the story itself. The myths referred to give us greater insight into the action and into the characters themselves, by showing us more subtle aspects of the story which are juxtaposed against the myths. In The Man-Eater of Malgudi, myths serve to shed light on what is really going on in the world of Malgudi.
The battle between Vasu and Nataraj is framed perfectly in the context of myth. The action that occurs in the novel bears many similarities to other myths that are either mentioned or alluded to, in particular the Ramayana and the myth of Bhasmasura. The structure of the story is the same as a myth, with the protagonist facing an unstoppable enemy who eventually meets his end by his own hand.
To complement the mythical structure of the book, many references and allusions are made to other myths. Sastri is the one who seems to be the most associated with the scriptures and ancient wisdom, and serves to link the myths with reality. Rangi is also an important figure in this respect, not only through her name (which means Krishna) and the role she plays in the “rescue” of Kumar, but also through her reference to the notion of Dharma. The notion of Dharma and its complement, the notion of Moksa, put several of the characters in a new light. It is particularly interesting to look at the character of Nataraj with respect to his devotion. He at first appears to be completely and totally devoted, but we see that this is not necessarily true when put in the proper context.
The battle between Vasu and Nataraj, which makes up the storyline of the book, is structured like a myth. Even before we meet Vasu, we feel his impact by the silence that he causes amongst the regulars of Nataraj’s printing shop . His first act is to violate the sanctity of Nataraj’s back room, a symbol for the inner sanctum of the temple. Vasu’s body is characterized by his bull-neck and hammer-fist, characteristics which make him seem more like a beast than a man, and his “black halo” which immediately tells us that he is an evil figure.
In Vasu’s account of his life, he describes how he crippled his mentor, showing an utter lack of gratitude for the man who taught him and provided for him. In very little time, Vasu has shown disdain for almost everything that Nataraj holds dear: the caste system; the path of non-violence; respect for one’s elders; the sanctity of the family and of chastity; and the sanctity of life itself. He even shows that he is not above killing something that is part of Nataraj’s family when he kills Nataraj’s cat. The only thing left for him to insult is Nataraj’s devotion to the gods. Vasu does so when he kills a tiger, a symbol of Shiva, and a Garuda (eagle), said to be the messenger of Vishnu.
When Vasu plans to kill the temple elephant, it amounts to a direct attempt on the life of a god. Kumar is a sacred being associated with the temple, and represents the God Ganesha. Vasu is no longer just a killer of animals who disturbs the existence of Nataraj, but a true Rakshasa (demon) who threatens to destroy Nataraj’s way of life. As many demons have before, Vasu threatens to destroy an entire world, in this case the world of Nataraj. Nataraj later reflects that “The man-eater had destroyed my name, my friendships, and my world,” . Vasu forces Nataraj to take action against him, which he does (as have many mythical protagonists before him).
Vasu, however, eventually meets his end by his own hand. In trying to squash a mosquito that had landed on his head, his incredible strength crushes not only the fly, but Vasu himself by causing a fatal concussion. Vasu had, in a way, revealed his weakness when he said earlier “Night or day, I run when a mosquito is mentioned,” . The death of Vasu is compared to the death of the demon Bhasmasura who is tricked into placing his hands on his head by Krishna (disguised as a dancer) and is scorched to death by his fatal touch. Vasu’s death mirrors that of Bhasmasura in more than just that respect. Rangi’s name (which comes from Ragna or Ragnatha ) means Krishna, she is the temple dancer, and she is present at the death of Vasu (whether a direct cause or not).
Vasu is like a Rakshasa in many ways. His extraordinary strength and appearance are obvious indicators that Vasu is not a normal man. Nataraj also describes Vasu as possessing a “sixth sense” . Vasu seems to leave devastation in his wake, whether it be leaving the man who taught him crippled, turning Nataraj’s attic into a tanning factory, or annihilating the wildlife of Mempi forest. His killing of the sacred animals shows his disrespect for the gods, another feature of demons. When Vasu “kidnaps” Nataraj and leaves him stranded far from home, we can see a parallel between that event and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana in the Ramayana . As well, he is seen as a super-human creature, a giant, by the town children (who are often the ones who identify disguised demons in myths and legends, because of their purity). He is also suspected to have poisoned Kumar, causing his illness. In the Vedas, illness is attributed to demons. If these indications were not enough to tell us that Vasu was a demon figure, there are the direct comparisons of Vasu to various demons that Sastri makes on pages 72-73.
Sastri is the character who seems to link myth (or religion) and reality. His name means “man of scriptures” . He possesses ancient wisdom which seems to perfectly frame everything that is going on in the novel. He is the one who draws the comparison between Vasu and the Rakshasas. As well, he is the one who seems to be in charge of Nataraj’s “inner sanctum” at the press. He performs pujas early on in the book, and makes pilgrimages to holy sites near the end. He is the one who puts Vasu’s death (and the death of all demons) into perspective by saying “…every demon carries within him, unknown to himself, a tiny seed of self-destruction” . On page 105, Sastri seems to predict the astrological cataclysm that will occur due to the aspecting of Jupiter. He says “If a fly settles on your nose at a crucial moment and annoys you, you may treat it as an astrological setback worked off” . This does not appear to be something cataclysmic, but the mosquito which lands on Vasu’s head at an inopportune moment has a very large impact on the outcome of the story. He is also the one who discovers the truth of how Vasu met his end by asking Rangi (or Krishna, as her name denotes) how he met his end. In that respect, as in many others, Sastri is the finder of truth.
The figure of Rangi is a very interesting one for several reasons. She is the temple prostitute, and in being a woman of the temple, she is technically married to the god of that temple, who is in this case Krishna. Yet her name means Krishna itself, and she plays the role of Krishna in the death of Vasu (with respect to the death of Bhasmasura). She is both the highest woman and the lowest woman. She is openly looked down upon, yet she merits at least a name, unlike Nataraj’s wife. An contrast emerges between her and Vasu when the light creates a “halo” around her and contrasts Vasu’s halo of black hair. This also seems to suggest that she is some sort of angel, if Vasu and his black halo represent a demon, creating an interesting juxtaposition of prostitute and angel.
Rangi also makes a very important comment when she says “Sir, I am only a public woman, following what is my dharma,” . It is said that if a prostitute performs her dharma scrupulously, then she acquired great powers. This is illustrated by the story of the prostitute who makes the river Ganges flow upstream because of the powers she received by following her dharma . This gives us a new way of looking at the death of Vasu. If we are meant to believe that Rangi has followed her dharma and acquired some sort of higher power, then Rangi could have caused Vasu to end his life through the blow to his head, as Krishna led Bhasmasura to end his life in a similar manner.
With the notion of dharma introduced by Ragni (or Krishna), the notion of moksa comes into play, because the two are interminably linked. In the novel, we see all three ways to liberation from the cycle of life and death, as described by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Ragni is the example of one who follows the path of unselfish action (karma yoga), or following one’s dharma. She is so unselfish that she is even willing to risk her personal happiness for the sake of the temple by aiding Nataraj in his attempt to stop Vasu from killing Kumar. Sastri is an example of one who follows the path of knowledge (jnana yoga). He is obviously familiar with many of the Hindu texts, performs all necessary rituals, and makes pilgrimages to holy sites. Muthu is the character that most exemplifies the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga). He does whatever he can to save his temple elephant, does much to improve the Mempi temple, observes the proper offerings to the temple goddess, and never visibly strays from the path of devotion.
Nataraj at first appears to be one who follows the path of devotion. When we first see his daily routine, he shows his devotion through his ritual bathing and prayer to the sun. He does all he can to help Kumar, and even sheds blood for him. However, Nataraj’s devotion on several occasions seems questionable. On the day that Sastri performs his Satyanarayana Puja (a tribute to Visnu performed by Brahmin on full-moon days ), Nataraj does nothing. Although Nataraj does much to organize the procession to celebrate the marriage of Krishna, at one point he says that he “enjoyed the status of being more important than the procession”. This would certainly not be an indication of his humility before the gods, or even respect for Krishna. A large part of devotion is chastity. While Nataraj is never unfaithful to his wife with Rangi, he is tempted on several occasions. However, this could be considered an indication of Nataraj’s devotion if he actually resisted the temptation, and wasn’t just too shy to confront Rangi.
Nataraj is also taken in by Vasu’s talk of science. He takes the stuffed tiger and keeps it, thereby keeping the memory of the murderous Vasu alive, as well as keeping Vasu’s science of taxidermy in Malgudi (not to mention the implications of trapping Shiva in the Queen Anne desk). When Nataraj is mounting the stairs to Vasu’s apartment, he says that the rational thing for a person to do is to approach things in a scientific frame of mind, and sympathizes with Vasu’s frustration at the world’s lack of scientific approach. In a way, science has already failed Nataraj once. In the Atharva Veda, the way of dealing with illness is by exorcising the demon who caused it . Nataraj has taken Kumar to the doctor, and he is no longer sick. But Kumar’s life is still in danger because Nataraj has not dealt with Vasu, the demon who caused Kumar’s illness. All these things show that Nataraj is not truly devoted to the gods, although he appears to be at first.
In the Man-Eater of Malgudi, myth highlights the deeper meaning in the society of Malgudi. With each myth mentioned or alluded to, the content of the story is put into a new light. The mythical structure of the story is perfectly complemented by all the references and allusions to various myths which occur throughout the story. Each reference gives an aspect of the story a new dimension by putting it against the framework of the myth. The world of Malgudi portrayed in the book is taken to a new level of meaning by the many mythical references and allusions made.
Narayan, R.K. The Man-Eater of Malgudi. London: Penguin Books, 1961.
Narayanan, Vasudha. “The Hindu Tradition” in World Religions: Eastern Traditions. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 1996. Willard G. Oxtoby, ed.
Nath Sharan, Nagendra. A critical study of the works of R.K. Narayan. Delhi: Classical publishing co., 1993.
Sinha, U.P. Patterns of Myth and Reality, a study in R.K. Narayan’s novels. Delhi: Sandharb publishers, 1988.
Venkateswaran, R.J. Dictionary of Bhagavad Gita. Delhi: Sterling publishers private ltd., 1991.
Другие работы по теме:
Hunger As Ideology Essay Research Paper Hunger
Hunger As Ideology Essay, Research Paper Hunger as Ideology Gender role in advertising has been the main theme of 20th Century’s World Advertising. It seems like all we see these days are advertising, which use the human body and sexuality to sell all kinds of products. The advertising for ideology in regards to the concept of gender role is virtually to attract the attention from audiences because ideology in advertising could give a clear direction to the people.
Role Model Essay Research Paper Role ModelEveryone
Role Model Essay, Research Paper Role Model Everyone has a role model. Whether an athlete, an older sibling, a parent or relative, or just a special someone everyone wants to be “just like” that certain person. I am a role model to my younger siblings, my cousins, and I hope to be a role model to all of the Wild Life kids.
SciFi Gibberish Or A Glance At Oneself
Essay, Research Paper Science fiction: gibberish or a glance at oneself? Since the very rudiment of mankind humans have dreamed Dreamed of understanding nature’s phenomena, dreamed of finding out the secrets of the infinite universe and dreamed of perception of their own place in its vast continuity. These dreams, passed orally through the lips of generations eventually took form of what we now call a myth.
Mythological Gender Profiling And The Women Of
Greece Essay, Research Paper In the myths of the Centauromachy and the Amazonomachy, the Greeks found a manuscript for moral and disciplinary guidance in their dealings with the women of the time. By assigning the women of Greece hybris, Greek men targeted the women of Greece to intense programs of subjugation and social retribution in order to prevent the emergence of Centaurian or Amazonian traits, which would destroy the patriarchal nature of Archaic Greek culture.
Beauty Myth Essay Research Paper My Beliefs
Beauty Myth Essay, Research Paper My Beliefs on the Beauty Myth In today’s society it seems as though women are forced into being something that they are not. Women see pictures in magazines such as this advertisement I have attached to this paper, and they think to be accepted by everyone else they need to look like “that.” I believe that some of the feelings from “The Beauty Myth” are still true in today’s society, but on the other hand I believe that it should not have to be this way.
Myths Meaning Essay Research Paper Kuka Teran111899Mr
Myths Meaning Essay, Research Paper Kuka Teran 11/18/99 Mr. Coughlin Myths Meaning “A myth is a story that is not true on the outside, but true on the inside.” In the story of the creation of all living things as well as the sky, sun, moon and stars there is a meaning that most people, when reading the bible, seem to just read over and not stop and take time to understand this somewhat subliminal message within Genesis.
Dinka Myth Essay Research Paper Dinka MythThe
Dinka Myth Essay, Research Paper Dinka Myth* The Dinkas believed that at one time both man and Divinity were in close contact, at this time death was nonexistent. There was a rope connecting the sky (where the Divinity lived) and the Earth (home of man) that was at the reach of a man’s outstretched arm. Every day the Divinity would give the first man and woman one millet to satisfy their needs, but they were forbidden to grow more.
On 1705
("Volcanoes Be In Sicily") Essay, Research Paper Sandra Gilbert Dickinson felt that although "Volcanoes be in Sicily…I may contemplate / Vesuvius at Home." For as a mistress of the mysteries
Myth Comparison Essay Research Paper Compare Contrast
Myth Comparison Essay, Research Paper Compare/ Contrast essayDecember 6, 1998Final Draft Comparison Essay Myths are one of the ways people attempt to explain the unexplainable. With the development modern technology the myth has been much less used. According to Webster’s college dictionary myth is defined as “A traditional or legendary story, especially one that involves gods and heroes and explains a cultural practice or natural phenomenon.” To me myths are a wonderful thing; they represent creativity and are a very good way to explain things to kids.
Albert Camus The Myth Of Sisyphus Essay
, Research Paper Albert Camus? essay, ?The Myth Of Sisyphus? is an insightful analysis of the classic work, ?The Myth Of Sisyphus?. In some regards Camus? view of Sisyphus can seem quite accurate and in tune with the original text, but based on Camus? interpretation of the justness of Sisyphus? punishment, it is clear that the writer has some different ideas as well.
Indian Creation Myth Essay Research Paper There
Indian Creation Myth Essay, Research Paper There are many interpretations of the Indian creation myth. They are all representations of the main principle of Brahman, which is described as being “everywhere and nowhere, everything and nothing.” (A Dictionary of Creation Myths, p.139, David Leeming and Margaret Leeming) Creation came from Brahman’s thought, or the actions of the god Brahma, who is the representation of Brahman as a man.
Mythology Essay Research Paper MythologyEvery race of
Mythology Essay, Research Paper Mythology Every race of humans and most cultures believed in a myth or type of myth at one time. Sometimes a myth can be something small like a teacher who?s said to be an alien. Yet some are quite big and still believed in today like the loch ness monster. Myths have been around since the beginning of time and will be there to the end.
A Woman
’s View Essay, Research Paper A Women?s View There are a lot of specific cultural values that have been taught to women by society since birth. The three essays, ?I Want a Wife? by Judy Syfers, ?How the Superwoman Myth Puts Women Down? by Sylvia Rabiner, and ?An Open Window On My Private World? by Jane Elizabeth Lemke are all written by women who share their experiences with us.
Myth And Symbol Essay Research Paper It
Myth And Symbol Essay, Research Paper It would be short-sighted to presume The Ecstasy of Rita Joe a somewhat dogmatic condemnation of English Canada’s – indeed, all of Canada’s – neglect of Native culture. What George Ryga likely intended was more a universal pronouncement of guilt on the government’s part with regard to all issues of morality, whether unrecognised or, if you will forgive my coyness, unintended.
Archetype Myths In Turn Of The Screw
Essay, Research Paper The Archetypal Myth in Turn of The Screw In one surface reading of Henry James’s Turn of the Screw, the governess appears to be a victim of circumstance. Some critics however, say that she is not without blame in the turn of events that characterizes the story. They claim that leading to her demise are certain character flaws, such as envy and pride.
King Minos Essay Research Paper TITLE KING
King Minos Essay, Research Paper TITLE: KING MINOS I. TYPE OF MYTH: Greek II. GODS OR GODDESSES INVOLVED: Zeus and Poseidon III. MONSTERS OR CREATURES INVOLVED: Minotaur
Dracula Essay Research Paper The creation of
Dracula Essay, Research Paper The creation of this monster was actually based upon a Romanian myth,(derived from the word draclu-devil) which implied the existence of vampires or the undead, as Stoker says. But, let?s look at this novel in a different way. Who was Dracula?
Fake Myth Essay Research Paper Many centuries
Fake Myth Essay, Research Paper Many centuries ago, before you, before me. Before water existed. There was a god, who roamed the earth in search of something, anything. He roamed the barren landscapes and searched under all rocks. Until one day he found something. It was a hole, a hole that seemed bottomless.
Compare Or Contrast Two Major Female Fertility
Deities As To Character, Activities And Role In The Myth Essay, Research Paper World Mythology In the myths of the ancient world, a great deal of importance is placed on the rhythmical cycle of birth, maturity, death and rebirth. Ancient agrarian people observed the world around them, and from this observation they realized that their lives as well as every other living thing on this planet was a part of an intricate continuing cycle.
Myth Essay Essay Research Paper A great
Myth Essay Essay, Research Paper A great phenomenon that all humans have questioned at one time in their life is “Why does it rain?” These phenomena would cause humans to create a myth about why it rains. The myth starts off by understanding that tribes are God’s plants within his garden. The ground where the plants root system lies is within the earth.
Prometheus Essay Research Paper Hesiod and Aeschylus
Prometheus Essay, Research Paper Hesiod and Aeschylus both tell the tale of Prometheus, the god that stole fire from Olympus and gave it to man. Each author takes a different position on the matter: Hesiod condemns Prometheus and man, while Aeschylus celebrates them, which is evident in several characteristics of the myth.
Generation X Essay Research Paper I
Generation X Essay, Research Paper I believe that Generation X exists, however, I do not think that everyone in this generation fits the description peddled by the media. The media feels the need to hang labels on each generation and give them each their own characteristics, but I fail to see the reasoning in all the name calling and insults.
Four Myth Theories Essay Research Paper Four
Four Myth Theories Essay, Research Paper Four Theories of Myth There are four basic theories of myth. Those theories are: the rational myth theory, functional myth theory, structural myth theory, and the phsycological myth theory. The rational myth theory states that myths were created to explain natural events and forces.
The Function Of A Myth Essay
, Research Paper The Function of a Myth To understand the function of a myth, it is important to have a common understanding of what the word myth means. A myth is a traditional, often ancient story, dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves to describe an accepted fundamental view of a people.
Mythology Essay Research Paper What is mythology
Mythology Essay, Research Paper What is mythology? Mythology is like a fib that started many years ago in the olden days. It is still around due to people still continuing to use a myth as the truth. They seem to not know the difference between a myth and a legend. People these days are so naive it is ashame to know the rate of people that actually believe those myths.
Theory Of Knowledge 2 Essay Research Paper
History is part myth, part hope and part reality. Discuss this quote in relation to History and to at least one other field of study. The study of history has been and will continue to play a major part in the lives of every individual and every community. Our history is our identity telling us where we come from, what we are and what our forefathers did and therefore plays a major in role in our constant search for knowledge and understanding of each other.
Compare The Archetypes Of Unrequited Love And
The Maiden Goddess In Great Expectations And Daphne And Apollo. Essay, Research Paper Compare the Archetypes of Unrequited Love and the Maiden Goddess in Great Expectations and Daphne and Apollo.
Myths Essay Research Paper Myths In Human
Myths Essay, Research Paper Myths In Human Civilization Throughout the history of human civilization, myths have been an integral part of human society. Myths have no cultural boundaries as they can be found in all
Creation Essay Research Paper The Creation StoriesDid
Creation Essay, Research Paper The Creation Stories Did the creation of the earth and life begin by itself? Or did God create them? In the beginning, civilization started to question who created earth. There were many different views. In Genesis, Jinasena, and Buddha have their own thinking. There were some differences as well as similarities.
Why The Vegetarian Diet Is Best Essay
, Research Paper Why the Vegetarian Diet is Best The vegetarian diet is becoming increasingly popular all the time. Is the vegetarian or meat diet better? A
Role Of Women In GrecoRoman Society Essay
, Research Paper The Role of Women in Greco-Roman Society: As Reflected in Classical Mythology The Greco-Roman society was a very patriarchal society. This is reflected throughout the myths in classical mythology. By looking at the classic mythology we will see that the roles women portrayed are very different than women’s roles in today’s society.
Daedalus And Portrait Essay Research Paper The
Daedalus And Portrait Essay, Research Paper The Daedalus Myth: Its Role in A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST… James Joyce?s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is a novel of complex themes developed
Women In Greek Mythology Essay Research Paper
The Role Of Women In Greek Mythology Persephone and Demeter One day, Persephone was in the field gathering the crops and Hades, the god of the underworld, was admiring her. He decided that he had to have her as his wife. Hades then shook the ground and caused it to split open and Persephone fell into the realm of the underworld.
Role Models Essay Research Paper Role Models
Role Models Essay, Research Paper Role Models Who are the Role Model?s of Today? Who are the role models of today? It seems as though the culture of today has the tendency to mistake who a role model is rather then what a role model should be. How, then, is a role model defined? A role model is a person in our lives that give us inspiration, hope and keep our spirits up.