This blog is part of the task on Thinking Activity - "Short stories". "Short stories" topic was given by professor Miss Megha Trivedi and for the reference of the task detail reading click here. Certainly, here's a unique and intriguing answer so, this blog deals with some of the answers to questions.
We are going to discuss two short stories written by R. K. Narayan in this blog...
1) An Astrologer's day:
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Que1: How faithful is the movie to the original short story?
Ans:
This movie doesn't provide exact content there are some changes in this movie because each and every piece of art has its own charm and trick to create innovative things and imply ideas differently.
Que 2: After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters, or situations changed?
Ans:
Yes, after watching the short film I noticed some changes in the movie like...
- The street description is exactly not there in the movie.
- Time Line changed (Film contains present time India).
- Language Difference (Movie contains the Hindi language).
- Ashes replaced by Tilak.
- 50 rupees changed with 100 and Double changed with 10 times more(Anas converted in rupees).
- Guru nayak's wife's name is mentioned in the movie(Usha).
- In the work guru nayak's child's gender is not mentioned but in the movie, it is mentioned that he has, a baby girl.
Que 3: Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If not, can you explain the reasons?
Ans:
Yes, I felt "Aesthetics delight" while watching the movie specifically I felt very delighted and surprised also when saw the person who was killed by him was still alive.
Que 4: Does screening a movie help you better understand the short story?
Ans:
Yes, Definitely this short film helps a lot to understand the real concept of the story.
Que 5: Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?
Ans:
Yes, As I answered question number 3 the same thing I feel for this question also that when guru nayak was alive at the time I felt the story and scene were perfect.
Que 6: If you are director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K.Narayan?
Ans:
If I were to direct a remake of the movie based on R.K. Narayan's "An Astrologer's Day," I would focus on several key aspects to enhance the storytelling and cinematic experience.
First, I would delve deeper into the backstory of the astrologer. By exploring his life before he became an astrologer, we can create a more compelling and relatable character. This could include flashbacks that reveal his past mistakes, motivations, and the turning point that led him to his current profession.
Second, I would emphasize the setting. R.K. Narayan’s stories often highlight the vibrant life of small Indian towns. I would ensure that the film captures the bustling marketplace, the diversity of the people, and the rich cultural backdrop. Cinematography would play a crucial role in bringing this setting to life, using colorful visuals and authentic sounds.
Third, I would expand on the character of Guru Nayak. Giving him more screen time and a more detailed background would add depth to his confrontation with the astrologer. Understanding Guru Nayak's journey and his reasons for seeking vengeance would create a more intense and engaging conflict.
Fourth, I would introduce subplots that intertwine with the main narrative. These could involve the astrologer's interactions with other clients, each bringing their unique problems and personalities. This approach would not only enrich the main plot but also provide a broader view of the astrologer’s life and the impact of his predictions.
Fifth, I would enhance the climax with more dramatic tension. Building up the suspense as Guru Nayak approaches the astrologer, coupled with a more intense and emotional face-off, would heighten the story's impact. The moment of revelation should be powerful and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Lastly, I would focus on the film’s theme of fate versus free will. By subtly weaving this theme throughout the narrative, viewers can reflect on the astrologer's role in shaping lives and the extent to which people control their destinies. This philosophical layer would add depth to the story and make the film more thought-provoking.
2) Crime and Punishment:
Introduction:
R.K. Narayan's short story "Crime and Punishment" delves into the intricate dynamics between a teacher and a student, exploring themes of authority, morality, guilt, and the complex nature of human relationships. Set in the fictional town of Malgudi, Narayan uses his characteristic wit and keen observation of human behavior to unravel the subtleties of these roles and their implications.
Synopsis of "Crime and Punishment":
The story revolves around a school teacher named Rajam and his student, a young boy from a humble background. Rajam, who is known for his strictness and discipline, catches the boy stealing money from his drawer. Instead of immediately punishing the boy, Rajam decides to use this incident as a moral lesson. He takes the boy to his house and tries to instill a sense of guilt and repentance in him through a prolonged lecture and by making him feel the weight of his actions.
Dynamic Roles of Teacher and Student:
1. Authority and Discipline:
Rajam embodies the traditional role of a teacher, exercising authority and discipline. His initial reaction to the boy’s theft is to assert his power and control over the situation. This dynamic reflects the conventional expectation that teachers are moral guides and disciplinarians.
2. Moral Guidance and Influence:
Rajam’s approach to the boy’s wrongdoing shifts from mere punishment to moral education. He attempts to make the boy understand the gravity of his actions and the impact of theft on his character. This highlights the teacher's role as a moral guide, aiming to reform rather than just reprimand.
3. Guilt and Repentance:
Through Rajam's efforts, the story explores the theme of guilt and repentance. Rajam tries to evoke a sense of guilt in the boy, believing that true repentance will lead to moral correction. This dynamic showcases the psychological aspect of teaching, where inducing self-reflection is considered a crucial part of learning.
4. Empathy and Understanding:
As the story progresses, Rajam's strict exterior reveals a layer of empathy. He understands the boy’s socio-economic background and recognizes that the boy’s actions are driven by desperation rather than inherent malice. This shift underscores the importance of empathy in the teacher-student relationship, where understanding the student's context is vital for effective teaching.
5. Power Dynamics and Respect:
The story also touches upon the power dynamics between teacher and student. While Rajam holds power over the boy due to his position, he eventually earns the boy’s respect through his empathetic approach. This respect is not just based on fear but on the genuine moral authority that Rajam embodies.
6. Mutual Growth:
The teacher-student relationship in the story is not one-sided. Rajam himself undergoes a transformation as he deals with the boy's crime. He moves from a position of rigid authority to one of compassionate understanding, highlighting that teaching is also a learning process for the teacher.
Bollywood Movies Related to the Themes:
Several Bollywood movies explore themes similar to those in Narayan's "Crime and Punishment," focusing on the dynamics of teacher-student relationships, authority, morality, and redemption.
1. Super 30 (2019):
This film, directed by Vikas Bahl, is based on the true story of Anand Kumar, a mathematician who coaches underprivileged students for the entrance exams of prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The movie highlights the teacher’s dedication, empathy, and transformative impact on his students’ lives, mirroring the moral awakening and empathetic transformation in Narayan's narrative.
2. Hichki (2018):
Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, this movie features Naina Mathur, a teacher with Tourette Syndrome, who takes up the challenge of teaching a class of underprivileged students. The film addresses themes of acceptance, perseverance, and the impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students' lives.
3. Chalk N Duster (2016):
Directed by Jayant Gilatar, the movie focuses on two teachers, Vidya and Jyoti, who fight against the commercialization of education and the unfair treatment of teachers. It underscores the dedication and moral responsibility teachers have towards their students despite systemic challenges.
4. Iqbal (2005):
Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, "Iqbal" tells the story of a deaf and mute boy who aspires to be a cricketer and his coach, Mohit. The coach-student relationship in this movie showcases how belief, guidance, and perseverance can help overcome physical and societal barriers.
Conclusion:
In exploring the dynamic roles of teacher and student in R.K. Narayan's "Crime and Punishment," the story effectively unravels the intricate interplay of authority, morality, and empathy within this relationship. Rajam, the strict school teacher, transitions from being a mere disciplinarian to a compassionate guide, highlighting the profound impact a teacher can have on a student's moral development. This shift underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of a student's actions, rather than resorting to mere punishment.
The story's themes of guilt and repentance are crucial in demonstrating the psychological aspect of teaching. Rajam’s efforts to evoke guilt and encourage repentance in the young boy illustrate the transformative power of self-reflection and moral education. This dynamic interaction not only aids the boy's moral growth but also facilitates Rajam's own evolution from a figure of authority to one of empathetic understanding.
Several Bollywood movies, such as "Super 30," "Hichki," "Chalk N Duster," and "Iqbal," echo these themes, showcasing the significant impact of dedicated and empathetic teachers on their students' lives. These films emphasize the transformative potential of a compassionate teacher-student relationship, mirroring Rajam’s journey and the broader implications of Narayan's narrative. They portray how belief, guidance, and perseverance can help students overcome socio-economic and physical barriers, thus resonating with the core message of "Crime and Punishment."
The inclusion of these films in the discussion enhances the understanding of Narayan’s themes by providing contemporary reflections on similar issues. The movies illustrate the timeless relevance of the story’s moral lessons, highlighting the enduring importance of empathy, understanding, and mutual growth in the teacher-student relationship. This multi-faceted approach to teaching not only benefits the student but also enriches the teacher's own experience and development.
In conclusion, R.K. Narayan's "Crime and Punishment" offers a profound exploration of the dynamic roles of teacher and student, emphasizing themes of authority, morality, empathy, and mutual growth. Through the evolving relationship between Rajam and the boy, Narayan illustrates the complexities and transformative potential inherent in these roles. Bollywood films like "Super 30," "Hichki," "Chalk N Duster," and "Iqbal" further enrich this exploration, providing contemporary reflections that underscore the timeless and universal nature of Narayan's insights.
Words: 1824
Thank You.
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