“The Bachelor of Arts” is a novel written by R K Narayan, first published in 1937. The novel is set in the fictional town of Malgudi, located in South India, and revolves around the life of Chandran, a final-year B.A. History student at Albert Mission College.
The novel is part of a trilogy set in Malgudi, starting with “Swami and Friends” and ending with “The English Teacher”. In this detailed summary and analysis, we will delve into the themes, characters, and narrative style of the novel.
| Author | R. K. Narayan |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Nelson |
| Publication date | 1937 |
| Media type | |
| Preceded by | Swami and Friends |
| Followed by | The English Teacher |
Page Index
- Summary
- Analysis
- Humor and Mythology
- Regional Elements
- FAQs
- Q: What is The Bachelor of Arts about?
- Q: Where is the story set?
- Q: What are some of the main themes of the novel?
- Q: Who is the main character?
- Q: What is the significance of Malgudi?
- Q: What are some of the challenges Chandran faces?
- Q: What is the writing style like?
- Q: What is the significance of superstitious beliefs in the novel?
- Q: What is the overall message of the novel?
- Author
Summary
The novel is divided into four parts and eighteen chapters. In the first part, we are introduced to Chandran, the protagonist, who lives with his orthodox family in Lawley Extension.
Chandran’s father, a retired district judge, is modern in his outlook but hesitant to overrule his wife’s decisions. Chandran’s mother is very pious and attached to her family, but sticks to her orthodox customs and conventions.
The second part focuses on Chandran’s college life, where he has a close friend, Ramu. Chandran is an idealistic student who attacks the bourgeois order but eventually reconciles himself to an obedient, lawful existence. College life is full of pre-exam anxiety, friendly banter, and hotly contested debates.
In the third part, Chandran falls hopelessly in love with a girl named Malathi, whom he meets at the village river. However, his marriage proposal is declined due to crossed stars in their horoscopes, and Malathi is married off to another suitor.
Dazed by such heartache, Chandran decides to give up control and throw caution to the wind. He leaves his home and reaches Madras, where he weans off a unique path and decides to commit to a life of asceticism and cuts off his hair. During his travels, he acquires fame as an accomplished sage.
In the fourth part, Chandran returns to the mundane life as a householder and gets a job in publishing. He decides to marry according to his parents’ bidding and is still afflicted by the memory and lost his life with Malathi.
Finally, his father finds a young Brahmin girl named Susila for him. He initially refuses to marry her, but eventually falls in love with her and finds peace and tranquility in the domesticated life.
Analysis
The Bachelor of Arts is a masterpiece of R K Narayan. Through the vehicle of this present novel, he has put autobiographical elements and delineated his personal happenings through the character of Chandran. The novel is a perfect embodiment of simplicity and values and effectively deals with realistic issues.
The theme of tradition versus modernity is a central theme in the novel. Chandran hails from Tamil Nadu and has lived a life as per the traditions and conventions of his place and time. However, his education has kindled a desire within him to break the chains of conservatism and look for an escape into the freedom of the world.
The theme of love and heartbreak is another important theme in the novel. Chandran falls hopelessly in love with Malathi, but his proposal is declined due to crossed stars in their horoscopes.
The situation becomes apparent to his parents, and they try to surrender to his wishes. Dazed by such heartache, Chandran decides to give up control and throw caution to the wind.
The theme of identity and self-discovery is also explored in the novel. Chandran’s journey to Madras and his decision to commit to a life of asceticism and become a sage show his desire to find his true self and purpose in life.
The narrative style of the novel is simple and straightforward. The character of Chandran is not portrayed as a hero who faces and overcomes adversity.
Rather, he is depicted as a young man who is influenced by societal expectations, and who tries to break free from them but ultimately conforms to them. This aspect of the novel is a reflection of Narayan’s own life and struggles.
Humor and Mythology
One of the key features of Narayan’s writing is his use of humor. In The Bachelor of Arts, he uses humor to highlight the absurdity of certain societal expectations and conventions.
For example, Chandran’s mother’s insistence on maintaining their status and sticking to orthodox customs is depicted in a humorous light.
Another element that is present in Narayan’s writing is mythology. The character of Chandran is named after the Hindu moon god, and there are references to various Hindu myths and legends throughout the novel.
For example, Chandran’s journey from a rebellious young man to a responsible adult is reminiscent of the Hindu god Rama’s journey from a carefree youth to a responsible king.
Regional Elements
The Bachelor of Arts is set in the fictional town of Malgudi, which is a recurring setting in Narayan’s novels. Malgudi is based on the real-life town of Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, and the novel is infused with regional elements such as the use of Tamil and Kannada words and phrases, and descriptions of South Indian cuisine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Bachelor of Arts is a novel that is imbued with autobiographical elements, humor, mythology, and regional elements. It tells the story of a young man who tries to break free from societal expectations and conventions but ultimately conforms to them.
The novel is a reflection of Narayan’s own life and struggles and is a testament to his skill as a writer.
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: 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: 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.
