Bachelor of Arts Novel by R.K. Narayan – Characters, Summary and Analysis

Bachelor of Arts by R.K. Narayan, published in 1937, invites readers back to the charming, fictional town of Malgudi in South India.

This novel, part of a trilogy that includes “Swami and Friends” and “The English Teacher,” centers on Chandran, a final-year B.A. History student at Albert Mission College.

As he stands on the threshold of adulthood, the story delves into his personal growth, relationships, and the cultural dynamics of a changing India. Narayan paints Malgudi with a vivid brush, capturing its essence through a host of memorable characters and timeless dilemmas.

In “Bachelor of Arts,” we journey through Chandran’s experiences, which resonate deeply, bridging the past with the present.

Context

Bachelor of Arts was first published in 1937, during a time when India was under British colonial rule. The novel reflects the socio-cultural landscape of the period, capturing the transitional phase between traditional Indian society and the influences of Western education and values.

Historical and Social Background

The late 1930s in India were marked by significant political and social changes. The Indian independence movement was gaining momentum, and there was a growing consciousness about national identity and self-governance.

Educational institutions, particularly those established by Christian missionaries, played a crucial role in introducing Western ideas and values to the Indian youth. This period saw a tension between the old and new ways of thinking, which is a central theme in the novel.

Setting: Malgudi

Narayan sets the novel in the fictional town of Malgudi, which he uses as a microcosm of South Indian society. Malgudi, with its quaint charm and vivid characters, becomes a recurring setting in many of Narayan’s works.

It represents a typical small town where traditional Indian life coexists with the influences of colonial rule. The town’s atmosphere and its inhabitants provide a rich backdrop for exploring the cultural and social dynamics of the time.

Educational Influence

The protagonist, Chandran, is a final-year B.A. student at Albert Mission College, a typical colonial-era educational institution. These colleges were known for their emphasis on Western education, which often conflicted with traditional Indian values.

Chandran’s experiences at college, including his interactions with peers and professors, reflect the broader societal changes and the impact of Western education on Indian youth.

Themes of Transition

The novel addresses themes of transition and conflict between tradition and modernity. Chandran’s journey from an idealistic student to a mature adult mirrors the broader societal shifts.

The traditional customs and practices upheld by Chandran’s family, particularly in matters of marriage and astrology, contrast with his own romantic aspirations and modern sensibilities.

Cultural Dynamics

Narayan’s portrayal of family life, social customs, and the caste system provides a snapshot of Indian society during the colonial period. The novel highlights the importance of family honor, the role of arranged marriages, and the influence of astrology, all of which were integral to the social fabric of the time.

These cultural elements are depicted with a blend of humor and pathos, showcasing Narayan’s keen observational skills. Bachelor of Arts is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Indian society in the late 1930s.

Through the fictional town of Malgudi and the experiences of its protagonist, R.K. Narayan captures the essence of a society in transition, grappling with the influences of Western education and the enduring strength of traditional values.

Characters

Narayan’s talent for creating lifelike characters shines in this novel. He offers deep insights into their inner thoughts and emotions, making them relatable and real. Most of his characters belong to the middle or lower-middle class, reflecting the society of his time.

Significant Characters

Chandran: The protagonist, Chandran, is a bright and ambitious student of English Literature and History. Known for his oratory skills, he becomes the secretary of the Historical Association after a remarkable debate performance.

His journey is marked by a romantic infatuation with Malathi, leading to emotional turmoil and a brief period of ascetic wandering before he finds happiness in marriage with Susila.

Mohan: Chandran’s friend, Mohan, is a poet whose talents go unrecognized. Despite academic struggles, he perseveres and becomes a correspondent, guiding Chandran towards practical decisions and happiness.

Kailas: A reckless youth, Kailas represents a hedonistic lifestyle, challenging societal norms and highlighting the diversity of personalities in the narrative.

Chandran’s Mother: A deeply religious and conservative woman, she insists on traditional customs, yet remains kind and noble, prioritizing her family’s happiness.

Significance of the Title

The title “Bachelor of Arts” aptly captures Chandran’s journey through college and his transition to adulthood. It signifies not only his academic achievements but also the personal and cultural challenges he faced during this period.

Summary

Bachelor of Arts by R.K. Narayan is a novel set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, following the life of Chandran, a young man navigating the transition from college student to adulthood. The story is divided into four distinct parts:

1. Family and College Life: Chandran, a final-year B.A. A history student at Albert Mission College comes from a traditional family in Lawley Extension. His modern-thinking father and orthodox mother create a complex household dynamic. At college, Chandran excels academically and socially, becoming the secretary of the Historical Association after winning a debate.
2. Love and Heartbreak: Chandran falls deeply in love with Malathi, a girl he meets by the village river. However, their union is thwarted due to astrological mismatches, leading to Chandran’s heartbreak. This emotional turmoil drives him to leave home and embark on a journey of asceticism.
3. Ascetic Life: Chandran adopts the life of a wandering ascetic (sanyasi), gaining fame as a sage. This phase represents his attempt to find meaning and solace away from societal expectations and personal disappointments.
4. Return to Domestic Life: Eventually, Chandran returns to a more conventional life, working in publishing. He reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage with Susila, a young Brahmin girl. Over time, he finds contentment and happiness in his domestic life, reconciling his past romantic idealism with the realities of his present situation.

Throughout the novel, Narayan explores themes of tradition versus modernity, love, identity, and self-discovery. Chandran’s journey from an idealistic student to a responsible adult is marked by emotional growth and the reconciliation of his aspirations with societal norms.

The novel also provides a vivid portrayal of colonial Indian society, infused with Narayan’s characteristic humor and keen observation of everyday life.

Analysis

Bachelor of Arts offers a profound exploration of the clash between tradition and modernity in colonial India. Through the protagonist Chandran’s journey, Narayan delves into themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.

Tradition vs. Modernity

Chandran’s life is a representation of the tug-of-war between the traditional values upheld by his family and the modern influences he encounters in his academic and social circles.

His mother’s insistence on matching horoscopes for marriage proposals contrasts sharply with his own romantic idealism. This conflict is central to Chandran’s character development and highlights the broader societal changes occurring in India at the time.

Love and Heartbreak

The theme of love and heartbreak is a cornerstone of the novel. Chandran’s infatuation with Malathi and the subsequent rejection he faces lead him to question his place in the world.

His emotional journey, from the depths of heartbreak to the acceptance of an arranged marriage, reflects a realistic portrayal of the complexities of love and societal expectations.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Chandran’s transformation into a wandering ascetic symbolizes his quest for identity and purpose. This phase of his life allows him to explore his inner self, free from societal pressures.

However, his eventual return to family life signifies a reconciliation with his responsibilities and a newfound understanding of his identity.

Humor and Mythology

Narayan’s use of humor and references to Hindu mythology add depth and layers to the narrative. The humor often underscores the absurdities of societal customs, such as Chandran’s mother’s adherence to orthodox practices.

Meanwhile, the mythological references, like the parallels between Chandran’s journey and the journey of Hindu gods, provide a cultural and philosophical context to his experiences.

Regional Elements

The novel’s setting in Malgudi, a fictional town based in Mysore, Karnataka, enriches the story with regional elements. The use of local languages, cuisines, and cultural practices adds authenticity and provides a vivid backdrop against which the characters’ lives unfold.

This regional specificity also highlights the universal themes of the novel, making them relatable to a broader audience.

Language and Style

Narayan’s writing style is marked by its simplicity, clarity, and elegance. His unpretentious prose and vivid characterizations make the narrative accessible and engaging.

The use of irony and satire subtly weaves deeper meanings into the story, often revealing the contrast between words and intentions.

This is particularly evident in Chandran’s unreciprocated feelings for Malathi, where the surface narrative belies a deeper emotional turmoil.

In conclusion, Bachelor of Arts is a masterful exploration of a young man’s journey through the complexities of life in colonial India. R.K. Narayan’s keen observation, humor, and ability to create lifelike characters provide a rich and engaging narrative.

The novel not only captures the essence of a particular time and place but also addresses universal themes of love, identity, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

FAQs

Q: What is The Bachelor of Arts about?

A: The Bachelor of Arts is a novel by R.K. Narayan that follows the journey of Chandran, a young college graduate from an upper-middle-class family. It explores themes of love, rejection, and self-discovery.

Q: What does the end of ‘The Bachelor of Arts’ by R.K. Narayan signifies?

A: The novel “The Bachelor of Arts” by R.K. Narayan, first published in 1937, signifies the coming-of-age and self-discovery of its protagonist, Chandran. The end of the novel marks a significant turning point in Chandran’s life. At the beginning of the story, Chandran is a young man filled with dreams and ambitions, but he is rather aimless and unsure of himself.

As the novel progresses, Chandran’s life undergoes a series of ups and downs. He falls in love with a woman named Malathi, but their relationship faces obstacles. Chandran also struggles with his academic pursuits and career aspirations. Throughout these experiences, he grapples with societal expectations and his own desires.

The end of the novel represents Chandran’s realization that he must take control of his life and make choices that are true to himself. It signifies his transition from youth to adulthood, as he begins to understand the complexities of life, relationships, and personal responsibility.

Ultimately, “The Bachelor of Arts” is a bildungsroman, a genre of literature that focuses on the moral and psychological growth of a character, and the ending of the novel reflects Chandran’s maturation and self-discovery.

Q: Where is the story set?

A: The story is set in Malgudi, a fictional town that is a recurring setting in Narayan’s novels.

Q: What are some of the main themes of the novel?

A: The novel explores themes of love, rejection, and self-discovery. It also touches on the impact of societal pressures and superstitious beliefs on individual lives.

Q: Who is the main character?

A: The main character is Chandran, a young college graduate who falls in love with Malathi and later marries Sushila.

Q: Who is the protagonist of the novel “Bachelor of Arts”?

A: The protagonist of the novel is Chandran, a history student living in Tamil Nadu, India.

Q: What is the significance of Malgudi?

A: Malgudi is a microcosm of India, and Narayan’s portrayal of the town is both accurate and evocative. The setting adds to the charm of the novel, with vivid descriptions of the town’s people and their way of life.

Q: What are some of the challenges Chandran faces?

A: Chandran faces rejection in love, societal pressures, and struggles with his own identity and purpose in life. He eventually embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Q: What is the writing style like?

A: Narayan’s writing style is simple yet elegant, with vivid descriptions of Malgudi and its people. The characters are well-crafted, and their struggles are relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Q: What is the significance of superstitious beliefs in the novel?

A: Superstitious beliefs play a significant role in the novel, as they dictate the course of Malathi and Chandran’s relationship. The novel highlights the impact of such beliefs on individual lives and the need to overcome them.

Q: What is the overall message of the novel?

A: The Bachelor of Arts is a beautiful exploration of the human experience, highlighting the challenges and complexities of love, the struggle to find one’s identity and purpose in life, and the impact of societal pressures on individual lives. It encourages readers to pursue their passions and find meaning and fulfillment in life.