READING WITH
INSIGHT PAGE
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1. 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 narrator claims that English has made inroads into Indian countryside in
the last ten years. There are now a large number of people who can communicate
in English. During the holidays, they can be found on every street, conversing
in English. Even when speaking in Kannada, they use English words. The narrator
thinks it's a disgrace. He uses an example to demonstrate his point of view. At
Rama Rao's house, a bundle of firewood was purchased. The woman told Rama Rao's
son how much he should give her. When she said "four pie," the boy
said he didn't have any "change" and invited her to return the next
day.
The poor woman mumbled to herself because she didn't
understand the English word "change." As a result, speaking English
in front of a native Kannada speaker caused confusion.
The English way of life influenced Ranga. He, like
them, desired to marry a mature woman rather than a young modern bride. He told
the narrator that when he was older, he would marry. Second, he desired to
marry a woman whom he admired. Arranged marriages were not something he
supported. This demonstrates the impact of the English way of life on today's
educated young Indians. It did not sit well with the narrator.
2. 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:
This story paints a negative picture of astrologers. Through the narrator's
words, the author appears to be taking a shot at them. The story depicts the
narrator's use of an astrologer to persuade an unwilling young man to marry a
young girl in graphic detail. He instructs him on everything he wants him to
say.
Ranga was taken to the astrologer by the narrator.
The Shastri retrieved his belongings. Two sheets of paper, some cowries, and a
palmyra leaf book were among the items found. He referred to astrology as an
ancient science. As he counted on his fingers, he moved his lips quickly. Before
telling Ranga that he was thinking about a girl, he did some math. She knew the
name of something she discovered in the sea. He reassured them that their
discussions would be fruitful. The science of astrology impressed Ranga.
The narrator congratulated Shastri that evening for
repeating everything he had taught without raising any suspicions. "What a
marvelous shastra you are!" he mocked astrology. The Shastri objected,
claiming that he could have figured it out himself using his shastra.
This demonstrates that astrologers' perceptions are
based on hearsay and conjecture rather than what they learn from stargazing.
3. Indian society has moved a long way
from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Discuss.
Answer:
Marriages in India were traditionally arranged by parents or relatives. The
story 'Ranga's Marriage' depicts how the narrator, with the help of the
astrologer, arranges Ranga's marriage. Certain changes have occurred in the
Indian society's economic and social structure since independence. Women's
empowerment has transformed them from mere prisoners confined within the four
walls to comrades and equals in the eyes of men. Modern males' attitudes toward
women have changed as a result of their education and access to jobs. Rather
than the dowry, a girl is now accepted as a marriage partner based on her worth
or qualities. Young boys and girls who are ready to marry now have more say in
who they marry. Legally, early marriages are prohibited. A girl must be 18
years old to marry, while a boy must be 21 years old. They have reached
physical, emotional, and mental maturity by this time. Indian society has come
a long way from the days of arranged marriages, when the bride/formal
bridegroom's consent was assumed and the elders handled everything.
4. What kind of a person do you think the
narrator is?
Answer:
Shyama, the narrator, is a dark-skinned man. 'A dark piece of oil-cake,' he
calls himself. He is a senior citizen. He is a keen observer of men and their
behaviour. He notices the impact of English on Indian society, both in terms of
language and way of life. He is a purist who despises the casual use of English
words in Kannada conversations. He thinks it's a disgrace. He also disapproves
of the English practice of love marriage. He is a well-intentioned gentleman
who has the best interests of others at heart. Ranga himself informs him of
Ranga's views on marriage. He has a good sense of human nature. Ranga, he
believes, would make a good husband. The narrator is a strategic thinker. When
Ratna is singing a song, he cleverly summons Ranga to his home. He notices
Ranga's interest and reaction to her and piques his interest by setting up a
meeting with the astrologer. He initially claims that Ratna is married, but
when he notices Ranga's intense interest in her, he admits that he was
misinformed. In short, the narrator does everything he can to save the
marriage.
The narrator enjoys a good laugh. He is capable of making others laugh at him. To increase the literary value of the story, he writes in a rambling style with many similes and metaphors. The story is full of ethnic colour and authenticity thanks to the touches of local colour.
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