THE GUIDE

Introduction
This novel by R.K Narayan comes under Indo-Anglican literature. It is associated with Indian English. R.K Narayan is a good example of an Indian writer who wrote in English. It was written with western readers in mind. The Indian novel in English has a capacity to present Indian life in western life to the western readers. The theme of these novels is always social problems. In R.K Narayan’s ‘The Guide’ there is the theme of happiness and fulfillment through suffering in sanyas.
R.K Narayan was born in 1906 at a south Indian village, he settled in Mysore where the regional language is Kannada, and he writes in English. At first he wrote for news papers and magazines. His novels are ten in numbers and 51 short stories. Most of his novels are translated into European languages. Narayan’s novels are artistic without political movements and propaganda. His stories are without preaching, advising and converting. The basic theme of his novels is the play of a man in universe and his predicament. His stories are always about Indian middle class, common people and common situations. The plots are not extra-ordinary or heroic. His heroes are average human being with ordinary qualities.

Malgudi
All his stories are taking place in and around Malgudi, which is a symbol of transitional India coming out of old-age traditions and accepting traditional western civilization. It is the bridge between east and west. Malgudi is an imaginary town created by the writer; it has a municipality, a town hall, a club and two schools. The small town is surrounded by Memphi Hills and caves. The river and temples becomes great attractions to tourists. Some critics have observed that Malgudi is the real hero of his stories, because the characters live and die but Malgudi remains.
Malgudi is present in all the novels of R.K Narayan. It is a semi-agricultural of Swami and friends. In the guide not only the town Malgudi with its railways influence the story of Raju and not only the physical side if Malgudi that attracts Narayan. The land maybe real or imaginary, but it is the land of heart’s desire. The habits, fashion, superstition, activities, education, society, economy and religion are all portrayed with minute details and in a realistic manner by the novelist.