READING WITH INSIGHT

Q1. Comment on the influence of English—the language and the way of life—on Indian life as reflected in the story. What is the narrator’s attitude to English?
Answer: The story shows that English had a significant influence on Indian life, becoming a “priceless commodity” and a marker of modernity and education. The narrator recounts a humorous incident where a poor woman doesn’t understand the word “change” for money, highlighting the communication gap caused by the new language.
The narrator’s attitude toward English is complex. He sees it as a source of cultural change, some of which he views as “disgraceful”. He laments that people now use English words in Kannada, and even though he understands the language, he seems to prefer the traditional way of life and communication. However, he is not entirely opposed to it, using it himself and acknowledging its prevalence, as seen by the fact that he names his godson after himself, which he describes as an “English custom”.

Q2. Astrologers’ perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars. Comment with reference to the story.
Answer: The story supports the idea that the astrologer’s predictions are based on hearsay and conjecture. The narrator, Shyama, openly admits to having coached Shastri, the astrologer, on what to say to Ranga. Shastri’s predictions about the girl’s name being something found in the ocean are vague enough to allow for a guess like “Ratna” (which means “precious stone”), but the narrator’s pre-planning is what truly ensures the desired outcome. Shastri even confirms this later, saying he “developed on the hints” given to him, proving the entire process was a clever trick rather than a true astrological reading.

Q3. Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.
Answer: The story presents a traditional view of arranged marriage, where the narrator, as a respected elder, takes it upon himself to find a suitable match for Ranga. The process involves a matchmaker (the narrator) and an astrologer who consults the stars to determine compatibility. The views on marriage expressed by Ranga—that a man should marry a mature girl he admires—are considered a modern departure from the norm.
In contemporary Indian society, arranged marriages are still common, but they have evolved. There is often more emphasis on mutual consent, compatibility, and a couple’s ability to communicate. While astrological matching still happens, it’s often combined with more modern dating practices, and the individual’s choice holds more weight. The idea of a young girl being married off is far less prevalent now, and women are more educated and empowered to have a say in their own lives and partnerships.

Q4. What kind of a person do you think the narrator is?
Answer: The narrator, Shyama, is a cunning, perceptive, and benevolent character. He is deeply connected to his village and its traditions, but he is also a bit of a schemer. He cleverly orchestrates the entire plot to get Ranga married, using his knowledge of Ranga’s character and his relationship with the villagers to his advantage. He is also a caring and generous person, as seen when he brings Ranga oranges and his later close relationship with Ranga’s family. He is proud of his village and its unique qualities, and he has a slightly cynical but humorous view of the world around him, especially when it comes to the influence of English.