An Astrologer's Day R K Narayan/ Class XI English / WBCHSE

 

 

An Astrologer's Day R K Narayan

"An Astrologer's Day" is a short story written by R. K. Narayan; an acclaimed Indian author known for his simple yet profound narratives set in the fictional town of Malgudi. The story revolves around an astrologer who earns his living by offering astrological predictions to people on the streets of Malgudi.

The protagonist of the story is an astrologer who sets up his business every day by the roadside under a tamarind tree. He attracts clients by displaying a sign that reads "Astrologer and Palmist." Despite his ordinary appearance, the astrologer has a mysterious aura, and his clients believe in his ability to predict their fortunes accurately.

One day, a man named Guru Nayak approaches the astrologer seeking his services. Nayak reveals that he is searching for someone who tried to kill him years ago and wants to exact revenge. The astrologer examines Nayak's palm and, through his skillful manipulation of the information he gathers, convinces Nayak that his enemy is dead. Satisfied with the astrologer's prediction, Nayak leaves, feeling relieved and grateful.

After Nayak departs, the astrologer reminisces about his past, revealing that he himself is the person Nayak was searching for. He had assumed a new identity and fled his village years ago after a fight that left him for dead. Now, having escaped his past, he continues to live in anonymity, using his skills as an astrologer to make a living.

"An Astrologer's Day" explores themes of fate, identity, and the power of perception. It reveals how individuals can reinvent themselves and find redemption despite their past actions. Narayan's narrative style is marked by its simplicity and depth, capturing the essence of human experience through the lives of ordinary characters in the fictional town of Malgudi.

 

MCQ questions and answers

What is the occupation of the protagonist in "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) Doctor

B) Astrologer

C) Teacher

D) Lawyer

Answer: B) Astrologer

 

Where does the astrologer set up his business every day?

A) Under a mango tree

B) Under a banyan tree

C) Under a tamarind tree

D) Inside a temple

 

Answer: C) Under a tamarind tree

What is the astrologer's method of attracting clients?

A) Shouting loudly

B) Displaying a signboard

C) Offering free services

D) Performing magic tricks

Answer: B) Displaying a signboard

 

Who is the main character that seeks the astrologer's help?

A) Guru Nayak

B) Rama Rao

C) Radha Krishna

D) Sita Devi

Answer: A) Guru Nayak

 

What does Guru Nayak want the astrologer to help him with?

A) Finding a lost treasure

B) Seeking revenge on an enemy

C) Curing an illness

D) Predicting his future

Answer: B) Seeking revenge on an enemy

 

How does the astrologer convince Guru Nayak that his enemy is dead?

A) By reading his palm

B) By showing him a magic trick

C) By consulting the stars

D) By reciting a mantra

Answer: A) By reading his palm

What is the astrologer's hidden secret?

A) He is a fraud

B) He is actually a doctor

C) He is a fugitive from his past

D) He has magical powers

 

Answer: C) He is a fugitive from his past

 

What is the setting of the story "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) A village named Malgudi

B) A city named Mumbai

C) A town named Chennai

D) A countryside named Kerala

Answer: A) A village named Malgudi

 

How does the story "An Astrologer's Day" end?

A) The astrologer reveals his true identity to Guru Nayak

B) The astrologer predicts a bright future for Guru Nayak

C) The astrologer disappears mysteriously

D) The astrologer continues his business as usual

Answer: A) The astrologer reveals his true identity to Guru Nayak

 

What themes are explored in "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) Revenge and redemption

B) Love and betrayal

C) Friendship and loyalty

D) Hope and despair

Answer: A) Revenge and redemption

 

What is the astrologer's initial reaction when Guru Nayak approaches him?

A) Fear

B) Excitement

C) Indifference

D) Surprise

Answer: D) Surprise

 

What physical characteristic of Guru Nayak catches the astrologer's attention?

A) His tall stature

B) His missing finger

C) His piercing eyes

D) His distinct accent

Answer: B) His missing finger

 

How does the astrologer manage to convince Guru Nayak that his enemy is dead?

A) He shows him a newspaper article

B) He describes a vivid dream he had

C) He fabricates a story about divine intervention

D) He mentions an astrological conjunction indicating death

Answer: D) He mentions an astrological conjunction indicating death

 

What role does the tamarind tree play in the story?

A) It serves as a meeting spot for the characters

B) It symbolizes the astrologer's connection to nature

C) It provides shade for the astrologer's business

D) It is where the astrologer hides his secrets

Answer: C) It provides shade for the astrologer's business

 

Which of the following best describes the astrologer's feelings towards his past?

A) Regretful

B) Nostalgic

C) Content

D) Fearful

Answer: A) Regretful

 

What motivates the astrologer to continue his business despite his past?

A) Greed for money

B) Fear of being caught

C) Desire for redemption

D) Lack of alternative skills

Answer: C) Desire for redemption

 

How does Narayan create suspense in the story?

A) By introducing a mysterious stranger

B) By describing the astrologer's routine in detail

C) By revealing the astrologer's secret early on

D) By using flashbacks to narrate the astrologer's past

Answer: A) By introducing a mysterious stranger

 

What does the story suggest about the nature of fate and destiny?

A) They are predetermined and unchangeable

B) They can be influenced by human actions

C) They are solely determined by astrology

D) They are irrelevant in the modern world

Answer: B) They can be influenced by human actions

 

Which of the following best describes the astrologer's character arc?

A) From deception to honesty

B) From poverty to wealth

C) From cowardice to bravery

D) From ignorance to wisdom

Answer: A) From deception to honesty

 

What moral lesson can be inferred from "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) Trust your instincts

B) Never judge a book by its cover

C) Revenge is never justified

D) Honesty is the best policy

Answer: B) Never judge a book by its cover

 

What is the astrologer's reaction when he realizes that Guru Nayak is his long-lost enemy?

A) He confronts Guru Nayak angrily

B) He decides to flee from Malgudi

C) He feels guilty and confesses his past

D) He remains composed and continues his business

Answer: D) He remains composed and continues his business

 

What technique does R.K. Narayan use to provide insight into the astrologer's past?

A) Flashbacks

B) Dream sequences

C) Inner monologues

D) Dialogues with other characters

Answer: A) Flashbacks

 

What does the story suggest about the nature of human identity?

A) It is fixed and unchangeable

B) It is shaped by one's actions and choices

C) It is determined by external circumstances

D) It is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things

Answer: B) It is shaped by one's actions and choices

 

Which of the following best describes the astrologer's attitude towards his profession?

A) He takes pride in his skills and knowledge

B) He sees it as a means of exploiting people's beliefs

C) He regards it as a necessary evil for survival

D) He is indifferent and does it out of habit

Answer: B) He sees it as a means of exploiting people's beliefs

 

What is the significance of the astrologer's decision to reveal his true identity to Guru Nayak?

A) It symbolizes his desire for closure and redemption

B) It represents his fear of being exposed and punished

C) It reflects his newfound honesty and integrity

D) It demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature

Answer: A) It symbolizes his desire for closure and redemption

 

How does the story "An Astrologer's Day" explore the theme of deception?

A) Through the astrologer's manipulation of his clients

B) Through Guru Nayak's hidden agenda

C) Through the astrologer's false predictions

D) Through the astrologer's mysterious past

Answer: A) Through the astrologer's manipulation of his clients

 

What role does fate play in the story's resolution?

A) It determines the astrologer's destiny

B) It leads Guru Nayak to confront his past

C) It intervenes to prevent further bloodshed

D) It remains ambiguous and open to interpretation

Answer: D) It remains ambiguous and open to interpretation

 

How does the setting of Malgudi contribute to the story's atmosphere?

A) It adds a sense of mystery and intrigue

B) It provides a backdrop of rural simplicity

C) It reflects the diversity of Indian culture

D) It symbolizes the passage of time and change

Answer: B) It provides a backdrop of rural simplicity

 

What aspect of human nature does the story "An Astrologer's Day" highlight?

A) The desire for revenge

B) The search for identity

C) The power of deception

D) The role of destiny

Answer: B) The search for identity

 

How does the astrologer's encounter with Guru Nayak change him?

A) It reinforces his cynicism towards human nature

B) It restores his faith in the power of redemption

C) It deepens his sense of guilt and remorse

D) It solidifies his resolve to remain in hiding

Answer: B) It restores his faith in the power of redemption

 

How does the astrologer's past influence his interactions with his clients?

A) He becomes overly cautious and suspicious

B) He adopts a more empathetic and understanding approach

C) He becomes aggressive and confrontational

D) He remains detached and professional

Answer: D) He remains detached and professional

 

What role does irony play in "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) It highlights the astrologer's lack of self-awareness

B) It creates humor through unexpected outcomes

C) It emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality

D) It adds tension by foreshadowing future events

Answer: C) It emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality

 

What does the astrologer's encounter with Guru Nayak suggest about the nature of forgiveness?

A) It is impossible to attain without confession

B) It can only be achieved through acts of atonement

C) It is a personal journey that varies for each individual

D) It is a sign of weakness and submission

Answer: C) It is a personal journey that varies for each individual

 

How does the astrologer's profession reflect broader themes in society?

A) It symbolizes the decline of traditional beliefs

B) It represents the struggle for social mobility

C) It highlights the prevalence of superstition and ignorance

D) It demonstrates the power of knowledge and wisdom

Answer: C) It highlights the prevalence of superstition and ignorance

 

What motivates the astrologer to finally reveal his true identity to Guru Nayak?

A) Guilt over deceiving Guru Nayak

B) Fear of being exposed by Guru Nayak

C) Desire to seek revenge on Guru Nayak

D) Need to prove his astrological prowess to Guru Nayak

Answer: A) Guilt over deceiving Guru Nayak

 

What literary devices does R.K. Narayan use to create suspense in the story?

A) Foreshadowing and irony

B) Flashbacks and symbolism

C) Dialogue and imagery

D) Metaphor and allegory

Answer: A) Foreshadowing and irony

 

How does the astrologer's revelation about his past contribute to the story's theme?

A) It reinforces the idea of fate and destiny

B) It underscores the importance of forgiveness and redemption

C) It highlights the consequences of deception and deceit

D) It symbolizes the cyclical nature of human experience

Answer: B) It underscores the importance of forgiveness and redemption

 

What does the story suggest about the power dynamics between the astrologer and his clients?

A) The astrologer holds all the power and manipulates his clients

B) The clients hold power over the astrologer through their beliefs

C) Power is evenly distributed between the astrologer and his clients

D) Power dynamics are irrelevant in the context of astrology

Answer: A) The astrologer holds all the power and manipulates his clients

 

How does the astrologer's profession serve as a metaphor for the human condition?

A) It represents the quest for knowledge and understanding

B) It symbolizes the unpredictability and uncertainty of life

C) It reflects the influence of external forces on individual destiny

D) It signifies the need for guidance and reassurance in times of crisis

Answer: B) It symbolizes the unpredictability and uncertainty of life

 

What role does the theme of deception play in the astrologer's interactions with his clients?

A) It serves as a means of survival for the astrologer

B) It highlights the gullibility and naivety of the clients

C) It creates tension and conflict within the narrative

D) It reinforces the idea that truth is subjective

Answer: A) It serves as a means of survival for the astrologer

 

How does the astrologer initially react when Guru Nayak approaches him?

A) He recognizes Guru Nayak immediately.

B) He pretends not to recognize Guru Nayak.

C) He is indifferent to Guru Nayak's presence.

D) He feels nervous and anxious.

Answer: B) He pretends not to recognize Guru Nayak.

 

Which of the following best describes the astrologer's relationship with his clients?

A) Genuine friendship

B) Mutual respect

C) Manipulative exploitation

D) Professional detachment

Answer: C) Manipulative exploitation

 

What role does fate play in the astrologer's life?

A) It determines his every action.

B) It is a guiding force in his decisions.

C) It is a belief he exploits for profit.

D) It is irrelevant to him.

Answer: C) It is a belief he exploits for profit.

 

What is the astrologer's demeanor when dealing with clients?

A) Friendly and warm

B) Stern and serious

C) Aloof and distant

D) Charming and persuasive

Answer: D) Charming and persuasive

 

How does the astrologer manipulate Guru Nayak's beliefs about his enemy's fate?

A) He uses ambiguous language to suggest the enemy's demise.

B) He provides specific details about the enemy's death.

C) He appeals to Guru Nayak's emotions with a fabricated story.

D) He distracts Guru Nayak with a magic trick.

Answer: A) He uses ambiguous language to suggest the enemy's demise.

 

What is the significance of the tamarind tree in the story?

A) It is a symbol of the astrologer's hidden past.

B) It represents the astrologer's connection to nature.

C) It serves as a meeting place for the characters.

D) It foreshadows the story's resolution.

Answer: C) It serves as a meeting place for the characters.

 

How does the astrologer feel about his deception of Guru Nayak?

A) Guilty

B) Indifferent

C) Proud

D) Anxious

Answer: A) Guilty

 

Which of the following best describes the astrologer's attitude toward his own fate?

A) Accepting

B) Defiant

C) Resigned

D) Ambivalent

Answer: C) Resigned

 

What motivates the astrologer to reveal his true identity to Guru Nayak?

A) Fear of being caught

B) Desire for redemption

C) Anger at Guru Nayak's deception

D) Financial gain

Answer: B) Desire for redemption

 

How does the astrologer's past influence his interactions with Guru Nayak?

A) He is more cautious and suspicious.

B) He is more trusting and open.

C) He is indifferent to Guru Nayak's problems.

D) He is eager to seek revenge.

Answer: A) He is more cautious and suspicious.

What is the astrologer's primary motivation for helping Guru Nayak?

A) Compassion

B) Greed

C) Fear

D) Curiosity

Answer: B) Greed

 

How does the astrologer's encounter with Guru Nayak change his outlook on life?

A) He becomes more cynical.

B) He becomes more optimistic.

C) He becomes more introspective.

D) He becomes more materialistic.

Answer: C) He becomes more introspective.

 

How does the astrologer feel about his profession?

A) Proud

B) Ashamed

C) Indifferent

D) Fulfilled

Answer: B) Ashamed

 

What does the astrologer realize about his past actions by the end of the story?

A) He regrets his deceitful behavior.

B) He believes his actions were justified.

C) He feels indifferent towards his past.

D) He plans to continue deceiving people.

Answer: A) He regrets his deceitful behavior.

 

What literary technique does R.K. Narayan use to develop the astrologer's character?

A) Stream of consciousness

B) Flashbacks

C) Symbolism

D) Allegory

Answer: B) Flashbacks

 

How does the astrologer's profession reflect the theme of illusion versus reality?

A) His predictions are accurate, revealing deeper truths.

B) His predictions are false, creating a facade of knowledge.

C) His clients see through his deception, exposing reality.

D) His clients believe in his powers, blurring the line between illusion and reality.

Answer: B) His predictions are false, creating a facade of knowledge.

 

What does the astrologer's decision to confront his past suggest about his character?

A) He is brave and principled.

B) He is cowardly and deceitful.

C) He is indifferent and apathetic.

D) He is manipulative and calculating.

Answer: A) He is brave and principled.

 

How does the astrologer's interaction with Guru Nayak contribute to the story's theme of fate versus free will?

A) It demonstrates the power of free will in shaping one's destiny.

B) It reinforces the idea that fate is predetermined and unavoidable.

C) It suggests that fate can be altered through human intervention.

D) It highlights the unpredictability of fate and the role of chance.

Answer: C) It suggests that fate can be altered through human intervention.

 

What is the significance of the astrologer's realization about his identity?

A) It symbolizes his liberation from his past.

B) It signifies his acceptance of his fate.

C) It represents his loss of innocence.

D) It foreshadows his downfall.

Answer: A) It symbolizes his liberation from his past.

 

How does the astrologer's deception reflect broader societal issues?

A) It highlights the prevalence of superstition and exploitation.

B) It demonstrates the power of individual agency and autonomy.

C) It exposes the flaws in the justice system.

D) It challenges traditional beliefs and values.

Answer: A) It highlights the prevalence of superstition and exploitation.

 

What does the astrologer's profession reveal about the society depicted in "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) The prevalence of superstition and belief in astrology.

B) The advancement of science and rational thinking.

C) The importance of formal education and qualifications.

D) The rejection of traditional beliefs in favour of modern ideologies.

Answer: A) The prevalence of superstition and belief in astrology.

 

How does the setting of Malgudi contribute to the atmosphere of the story?

A) It provides a backdrop of rural simplicity and tradition.

B) It symbolizes progress and urbanization.

C) It reflects a cosmopolitan environment with diverse cultures.

D) It signifies isolation and detachment from the outside world.

Answer: A) It provides a backdrop of rural simplicity and tradition.

 

What role does the tamarind tree play in the astrologer's life and business?

A) It serves as a symbol of growth and renewal.

B) It represents a connection to nature and the divine.

C) It provides shade for the astrologer's clients.

D) It symbolizes the astrologer's isolation from society.

Answer: C) It provides shade for the astrologer's clients.

 

How does Narayan use irony in "An Astrologer's Day"?

A) By revealing the astrologer's true identity at the end of the story.

B) By having the astrologer predict his own future incorrectly.

C) By portraying Guru Nayak as a gullible victim of the astrologer's deception.

D) By presenting the astrologer as a fraud who secretly doubts his own abilities.

Answer: D) By presenting the astrologer as a fraud who secretly doubts his own abilities.

 

What does the astrologer's encounter with Guru Nayak suggest about the theme of identity?

A) It highlights the fluidity and complexity of personal identity.

B) It reinforces the idea that one's past actions define their present identity.

C) It symbolizes the struggle to reconcile one's inner self with societal expectations.

D) It demonstrates the power of external forces to shape individual identity.

Answer: A) It highlights the fluidity and complexity of personal identity.