R.K.Narayan

■Write a detailed note on R.K.Narayan as a writer. 

☆ Introduction : 

 

          

           " Do you realise how few 
              ever really understand 
              how fortunate they are 
              in their circumstances ? "
                                        - R.K.Narayan 

         R.K. Narayan was born on 10 October 1906 in Madras , and died on 13 May 2001 in Madras. He was an Indian English Novelist. His Original name is Rasipuram Krishnawami lyer Narayanaswami. He was leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao. Narayan highlights the social context and everyday life of his character. He was known for his work set in the fictional south Indian town of Malgudi. He used technique with a natural element of humour. 

☆ His Works : 

1. ' The English Teacher ' (1945)
2. ' Waiting for the Mahatma ' (1955)
3. ' The Guide ' (1958) 
4. ' The Man-Eater of Malgudi ' (1961)
5. ' The Vendor of Sweet ' (1967) 
6. ' A Tiger for Malgudi ' (1983)                                                                             

☆ His Awards :  

• Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960 for  ' 'The Guide' . 
• AC Benson Medal in 1980 for ' Royal society of literature ' . 
• Padma Bhushan , padma vidhusan    

                              

☆ His important work :

● ' The English Teacher ' : 

             ' The English Teacher ' this is a novel written by R.K.Narayan . It was published in 1945 . The story is a series of experiences in the life of Krishna, an English teacher, and his quest for inner peace and self-development after the traumatising death of his wife.

● ' Waiting for the Mahatma ' : 

              ' Waiting for the Mahatma ' this is a novel written by R.K.Narayan. It was published in 1955. This is a novel set in pre-independence India, focusing on the story of a young man named Sriram who becomes involved in the Indian freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, particularly through his connection with a passionate activist girl named Bharati.

● ' The Guide ' : 

               ' The Guide ' this is a novel written R.K.Narayan. It was published in 1958. The novel describes the transformation of the protagonist, Raju, from a tour guide to a spiritual guide and then one of the greatest holy men of India.  

● ' The Man-Eater of Malgudi ' : 

             ' The Man-Eater of Malgudi ' this is a novel written by R.K.Narayan. It was published in 1961. This is the story of Nataraj, who earns his living as a printer in the enchanted world of Malgudi, that slumbering Southern Indian village whose peace has been often amusingly and outrageously disturbed by Narayan.

● ' The Vendor of Sweets ' : 

            ' The Vendor of Sweets ' this is a novel written by R.K.Narayan. It was published in 1967. The story beautifully reflects his conflict with his estranged son and how he finally leaves for renunciation, overwhelmed by the sheer pressure and monotony of his life.

● ' A Tiger for Malgudi ' : 

                 ' A Tiger for Malgudi ' this is a novel written by R.K.Narayan. It was published in 1983. This novel is told by a tiger in the first person. Deeply moving is the attachment of the tiger to the monk and the monk's care for the tiger.

☆ His Waiting Style : 

             R.K. Narayan's writing style was characterized by simplicity, humor, and a detached, objective style. Narayan's writing was often compared to that of William Faulkner, who also brought out the humor and energy of ordinary life. Some critics also considered Narayan to be similar to Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol.

 ☆ Theme of his works : 

                  R.K. Narayan's works primarily focus on the theme of ordinary life in small-town India, exploring the struggles and complexities of everyday people within the context of social customs, traditions, and the sometimes absurd nature of existence; often set in his fictional town of Malgudi, his stories highlight the human condition through relatable characters facing everyday challenges with a touch of gentle humor and irony.

☆ R.K.Narayan as a writer : 

               R. K. Narayan was born on 10 October 1906 and passed away in 2001. In his long career he published fourteen novels, over two hundred short stories, a memoir, two travel books, innumerable essays, and two plays. His first novel was Swami and Friends (1935). 

☆ Conclusion :

              R. K. Narayan was an Indian writer and novelist known for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.

         

 

                                               

" Preacher, Don't Send Me " by Maya Angelou

 Question : 4 Write a detailed note on ' Preacher Don't Send Me ' by Maya Angelou. 

☆ Introduction :

           

    

             Maya Angelou was born on 4 April 1928 and died on 28 May 2014 . She was an American writer and poet . She was one of the most celebrated Black American writers in history . She wrote seven autobiographies , including ' I know why the caged Bird Sings ' , which was published in 1969 and brought her international acclaim . She also wrote poetry , essays and children's books . 

☆ Her Works : 

1. ' I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings '
2. ' The Heart of a Woman ' 
3. ' Preacher , Don't Send Me '
4. ' And Still I Rise ' 
5. ' On the Pulse of Morning ' 
6. ' I Shall Not Be Moved '                                                                                                                                                                                              

☆ Her Achievement :  

          " Angelou received dozens of

            awards and more than 50 

            honorary degrees . " 

         

          " She won Presidential Modal 

            of Freedom in 2010 . "

☆  About the Poem : 

           The poem "Preacher, Don't Send Me" by Maya Angelou is a powerful and poignant reflection on the afterlife and the struggles of Black Americans.

                

                "Preacher, Don't Send Me" is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the Black community. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and challenges us to think about our own mortality and the world around us .

☆ Summary : 

                In "Preacher, Don't Send Me," Maya Angelou expresses a powerful refusal of premature death and an assertion of her right to experience life on Earth fully.

            The poem begins with the speaker addressing a preacher, directly imploring them not to send her to heaven. She vividly describes the struggles and hardships she has endured in life, including racism, poverty, and the pain of loss. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes her desire to live and experience all that life has to offer, even its "rotten fruit" and "raging river."

              Angelou uses powerful imagery and metaphors to convey her deep connection to the earthly world. She speaks of the "sweet smell of rain on dry earth," the "wild laughter of children," and the "warmth of a lover's embrace." These sensory details highlight the beauty and joy that life, even with its difficulties, can bring.

                 The poem is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the enduring power of hope. It serves as a reminder to cherish life in all its complexities and to fight for the right to experience it fully, despite the challenges we may face.

☆ Theme : 

  ●  Social commentary:

          The poem can also be interpreted as a broader commentary on the power dynamics within religious communities and the potential for manipulation, particularly when directed towards vulnerable individuals.

●  Empowerment through self-awareness:

             By asserting her right to choose her own path, the speaker demonstrates a growing sense of personal power and understanding of her own moral compass. 

● Rejection of religious coercion:

              The speaker directly addresses the preacher, asking them not to send messages of guilt and condemnation, signifying a rejection of being controlled by religious authority.

☆ Rhyme Scheme :

           The AABB rhyme scheme provides a consistent rhythm and emphasis to the speaker's message.

☆ Meter :

  -  iambic tetrameter 

☆  Literary Devices : 

- Imagery 

- Metaphor 

- Irony 

- Rhetorical Question 

- Repetition 

☆ Structure :

          ' Preacher,Don't Send Me ' this poem was written by Maya Angelou . In this poem four stanza and each stanza eight lines . 

☆ Conclusion :

               The poem "Preacher, Don't Send Me" by Maya Angelou is a reflection on the speaker's views on heaven and the afterlife. The speaker rejects the traditional Christian notions of heaven as a place of luxury and ease, instead envisioning a more earthly paradise where family, kindness, and music are present.