Critical Review of the Novel

The Guide: A Critical Evaluation

(1) Publication and Popularity

R.K. Narayan's seminal work, "The Guide," emerged onto the literary scene in 1958, marking a pinnacle in his illustrious career. By this juncture, Narayan had already authored seven novels and numerous short stories, showcasing his fully matured literary prowess. The immediate acceptance and enduring popularity of "The Guide" underscored its significance, culminating in Narayan's receipt of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960. Translated into several languages and adapted into a successful film, the novel's universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries. As one critic observes, "The sex interest in the novel-husband-wife-lover-tickles the average reader whether Indian or foreign, while the usual 'properties' the Westerner associates with India-caves, cobras, dancing-girls, swamis-are all present to make a special appeal to a European or an American." Indeed, "The Guide" stands as a masterpiece, offering something to captivate every palate and earning its place among the immortal classics of world literature.

(2) The Title: Its Significance

The title of a novel or a short-story or any other piece of literary composition is like the signboard of a shop. Just as the signboard indicates the contents of a shop, so also the title must refer to the subject matter of the work concerned. The title The Guide is quite apt and suggestive, for it deals with the life and career of Raju, popularly known as 'Railway Raju' who is a tourist guide, and the novel shows that he is a 'guide' in a number of other matters also.

Raju begins his career as a stall-keeper. Soon he acquires tit-bits of knowledge by going through old journals, magazines, etc., which he stocks. He is intelligent, observant, and a shrewd judge of human character. He has an inborn gift of eloquence. He has sound commonsense and is tactful in his dealing. Those who come to his stall are pleased with his manners as well as with the information he provides them regarding Malgudi and its scenes and sights. He is always ready to help and arranges for their board, lodging, taxis, etc. His fame spreads and the tourists who come to Malgudi at once inquire for 'Railway Raju. Raju learns as he earns. He acquires detailed knowledge about Malgudi and its whereabouts by talking with the tourists, and uses the knowledge to great advantage. He has a rare knack of sizing up his customers, their means and their tastes. His understanding of human psychology is profound, he never says no, and makes vague, ambiguous statements so that he is never 'caught even when talking about things he does not know. Soon he engages a boy to look after his stall, and himself sets up as a full-fledged tourist- guide. Raju is a model guide, and those who intend to take up the vocation of a tourist guide can learn much from his example.

Soon there is a slight change in Raju's role. From the tourist guide he becomes the guide to one single family. This change takes place as soon as Marco and Rosie come to Malgudi. Marco is immensely pleased with him and engages him as a whole time guide. Raju takes Rosie by storm, as it were, and is able to win her heart and seduce her within no time. He shows himself to be an adept lady-killer, one who can play havoc with the female-heart with his bold compliments, smooth talk and flattery. In this respect also he is a model 'guide', and valuable lessons in the art of love-making may be learned from his example.

The next role which Raju plays is that of a threatre-manager or impresario or the guide and manager of a dancer. It is he who launches Rosie as a dancer, manages her affairs so ably that soon her fame spreads and contracts pour in. They earn a lot of money and begin to live in a lavish style. His tactful handling of Rosie's affairs, his shrewdness in business dealing, are beacon lights to those who intend to play this role. They can learn much from, Raju. They can also learn from him that, whether out of jealousy or a feeling of insecurity, a man should not commit forgery, for it is sure to land him in jail. One should beware of mysterious enigmatic people like Marco, for all the time they may be plotting and laying traps.

In jail, Raju proves to be a model prisoner. He is well- mannered, hard-working and helpful. The result is that he is quite happy and comfortable in a jail, and is surprised that people are afraid of prison. Indeed, he is so comfortable that when his release comes, he goes out with fear and regret in his heart. Raju's example, therefore, should be followed by all prisoners. Raju is a 'guide' in respect also.

Next, Raju takes up the role of a Mahatma, or to be more exact, the role is thrust upon him. After coming out of the mail, he becomes a spiritual guide or Mahatma and plays the role with rare success. He makes mystifying statements, and talks role, and tries to look big. The people are impressed, his fame spreads, and devotees flock to him with their gifts and offerings. His example shows that the same qualities make a man successful both as a tourist guide and a spiritual guide.

In short, the title is apt and suggestive, for its central figure plays the role of a 'guide' during the successive stages of his career. The novel is a guide to life also, for it tells us both how to achieve success in life and how to avoid the various pitfalls which were Raju's undoing. It is also a guide to conduct, for it teaches us what to do and what not to do.