Hemi

The English Teacher, by R.K. Narayan, is the story of a young man teaching English in a missionary college at Malgudi, in early twentieth century, colonial India. As a native to the country and culture, the main character, Krishna, deals with three major life issues throughout the pages of the novel. He struggles with dissatisfaction in his career; he grapples with existence in life without his beloved wife; and most subtly, Krishna tries to reconcile his part in furthering Western values in India. Narayan reveals to the unlearned reader the details of his own cultural background in India's Brahmin class by recording the common, daily activities of Krishna, his wife Susila, and his little daughter, Leela. The impact of the Hindu beliefs, of course, is an obvious influence on the characters of the book. But again, the author places the facts studied in Asian literature class within the natural context of this newly married professor's existence. Throughout the novel, slices of Narayan's life are seen in the life of his main character, Krishna.

a Pankaj Mishra essay link

The very first sentence in the novel reveals the Hindu belief that life is but an illusion. Krishna states, "on the whole he is very pleased with his life." But after mentally reviewing his teaching responsibilities and his commitment, the character admits that something is missing in his life. As his namesake from the Bhagavat Gita proposed, Krishna recommits himself to the disciplines of daily exercise and mental self-control. But he readily admits that despite his comfortable pay, "he was doing the wrong work." Krishna labels himself a poet, but he describes his teaching responsibilities as "admonishing, cajoling, and browbeating" his young Indian students over Shakespeare and Milton texts. In a later passage, he admits to scarce preparation time and merely reads Pride and Prejudice to his students. Early in the work, it becomes quite clear that he has no enthusiasm for his occupation. The second struggle within the story becomes evident as Krishna works under a British principal that harshly admonishes his Indian teachers about the importance of proper English and it's spelling. Krishna responds by griping to another lecturer that Brown has been living in India for thirty years, and yet makes no effort to speak any one of the hundreds of native dialects. These struggles in Krishna's life could well be taken from Narayan's own life. Much as Krishna depended on his livelihood from the English, as a writer Narayan had the same dependence on English publishers and English readers for his source of income. He wanted to be a writer, but had to support himself. He tried teaching, as his father before him had, as well as other official roles in his community. But found no happiness in them. Krishna too has the heart of a poet.

At the beginning of the book, one finds that it is necessary for Krishna to move from one role in Dharma to another. In the mail one day, he received a letter from his father, stating that both he and Krishna's father-in-law felt it was time that Krishna set up his own household. For a brief period he deliberated on whether he could handle the new way of life. However, Krishna quickly assumed the role of householder in the Hindu structure. Krishna found great contentment as husband and father. He became preoccupied with family life that his career dissatisfaction temporarily fell by the wayside.

By detailing the daily interactions between Krishna, his wife Susila, and infant daughter Leela, the reader becomes engulfed in the family's happiness. Within these pages the Western reader gains understanding on natural components of life in the Indian culture. One example was when Krishna's mother circled a solution of vermilion on the ground before Susila and the baby disembarked from their carriage. Another example is found when Susila set up her own shrine in the home for offering prayers. She included silver statues, burning camphor, and fresh flowers. Krishna watched his wife as she performed her rituals and seemed amused with her traditions indicating the contrast between modern and old ways. Susila's personal library included Tamil hymns, the Kamba Ramayana, and the Bhagavat Gita. Krishna and Susila took in his old nanny as a household servant since she had no income and was destitute. This allowed Susila luxury time with "the child" as they often referred to her. She frequently combed oil into the little one's hair. Krishna and his wife slept on mats on the floors of their separate rooms. The child slept with her mother. The family established an ideal home life together, loving one another greatly.

Narayan uses very descriptive language in sharing Susila's horrible experience of being locked in a filthy, outdoor lavatory. By describing the feel of a fly that landed on her