An Astrologer’s Day

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the astrologer’s appearance help him attract customers? How does he help the customers satisfy their needs?

The astrologer's appearance, which includes sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead, dark whiskers, and a saffron-colored turban, helps him attract customers by making him seem knowledgeable and spiritual. He helps customers satisfy their needs by offering astrological services and providing insights and guidance based on his analysis of their troubles, which include marriage, money, and the tangles of human ties.

b. How do you characterise the astrologer’s attitude toward the stranger?

The astrologer's attitude toward the stranger is one of professionalism and attentiveness. He listens to the stranger's concerns and offers insights and guidance based on his analysis of the stranger's troubles.

c. What details does the astrologer give the stranger about his past?

The astrologer tells the stranger that he was stabbed by a knife and thrown into a well to die, but some people passing by rescued him and saved him from death.

d. Why does he advise the stranger to go home immediately?

The astrologer advises the stranger to go home immediately because he believes it is the best course of action based on his analysis of the stranger's troubles.

e. What is your reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife?

My reaction to the conversation between the astrologer and his wife is that it is a professional exchange, with the astrologer offering insights and guidance to the stranger based on his analysis of the stranger's troubles. The astrologer's wife seems to support his work and help him manage his business.

Reference to the context

a. Suspense is the feeling of anticipation you may have as you read. In this story, what details contributed to your feelings of suspense and surprise? Explain.

There are several details in the text that contribute to feelings of suspense and surprise. One detail is the astrologer's appearance and the way he attracts customers, which suggests that he may not have genuine astrological knowledge but is instead using his appearance and marketing skills to deceive his clients. Another detail is the astrologer's own past, in which he left his village and became an astrologer without any previous thought or plan, which adds to the sense of mystery surrounding his true motivations and abilities. The astrologer's claim that he can understand a person's troubles within five minutes and his use of shrewd guesswork to offer insights and guidance also contribute to feelings of suspense, as it is unclear whether he is truly able to offer valuable advice or if he is simply manipulating his clients. Overall, these details contribute to a sense of uncertainty and the possibility of deception, which can create suspense and surprise for the reader.

b. Analyze the conflicts in “An Astrologer’s Day.” Explain how the conflicts are resolved and what they reveal about the characters involved in the story.

There are several conflicts present in "An Astrologer's Day."

One conflict is between the astrologer and his clients. The astrologer is trying to offer insights and guidance based on his analysis of their troubles, while his clients are seeking answers and solutions to their problems. This conflict is resolved when the astrologer is able to offer insights and guidance that his clients find helpful and valuable, even though it is unclear whether the astrologer truly has genuine astrological knowledge or is simply using his marketing skills and shrewd guesswork to manipulate his clients. This conflict reveals that the astrologer is a skilled and cunning businessman who is able to effectively provide for his clients' needs, even if he is not truly an expert in astrology.

Another conflict is between the astrologer and his past. The astrologer has left his village and become an astrologer without any previous thought or plan, which is a significant departure from the traditional path of his forefathers. This conflict is resolved when the astrologer is able to find success and fulfillment as an astrologer, even though he is not following the traditional path of his ancestors. This conflict reveals that the astrologer is a resourceful and ambitious individual who is willing to take risks and pursue his own goals, even if it means breaking with tradition.

Overall, the conflicts in "An Astrologer's Day" reveal the astrologer's resourcefulness, ambition, and cunning, as well as his ability to effectively meet the needs of his clients.

c. “All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like.”

i. Who is the speaker?
The astrologer is the speaker.

ii. Who is he speaking to?
He is speaking to Guru Nayak.

iii. What does the expression ‘open my mouth’ mean?
The expression 'open my mouth' means to speak or talk. In this context, the speaker is saying that he will only speak if Guru Nayak agrees to give him a rupee for his words.

d. Description helps readers visualize what is happening in a story. What details and techniques does the author use to describe the astrologer?

The author uses several details and techniques to describe the astrologer in "An Astrologer's Day." One detail is the astrologer's appearance, which is described as resplendent with sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead, dark whiskers streaming down his cheeks, and a saffron-colored turban. This description helps the reader visualize the astrologer as a spiritual and knowledgeable figure, and the use of sensory language such as "resplendent" and "vermilion" adds to the vividness of the description.

Another technique used to describe the astrologer is comparison, as the author compares the astrologer's eyes to "a sharp abnormal gleam" and his appearance to "bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks." These comparisons help the reader understand the astrologer's appearance and personality in relation to familiar objects and phenomena, and they add to the overall character development of the astrologer.

Overall, the author uses vivid details and comparisons to effectively describe the astrologer and help the reader visualize him as a complex and intriguing character.

e. Irony is a contrast between appearances and reality. What is ironic about Guru Nayak’s meeting with the astrologer?

It is ironic that Guru Nayak, the astrologer, has a meeting with another astrologer because it suggests that there may be more than one astrologer operating in the same area. This irony is heightened by the fact that Guru Nayak is described as a skilled and cunning businessman who is able to effectively provide for his clients' needs, even though he does not have genuine astrological knowledge and is instead using his marketing skills and shrewd guesswork to manipulate his clients. The fact that Guru Nayak is able to successfully operate as an astrologer despite his lack of genuine knowledge creates a contrast between appearances and reality, as it suggests that Guru Nayak is able to maintain the appearance of an expert astrologer while the reality is that he is using deception and manipulation to attract and retain clients. This irony adds to the complexity and intrigue of Guru Nayak's character and the overall story.

f. How does the astrologer’s manner of dress suit his character?

The astrologer's manner of dress, which includes sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead, dark whiskers, and a saffron-colored turban, suits his character because it helps him present himself as a spiritual and knowledgeable figure. The use of sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead, which are traditionally associated with spiritual practices in Hinduism, adds to the astrologer's appearance as a devout and learned individual. The dark whiskers and saffron-colored turban also contribute to his appearance as a wise and respected figure, and the combination of these elements helps the astrologer effectively market himself and attract clients.

Overall, the astrologer's manner of dress is well suited to his character because it helps him present himself as an expert and respected figure, even though the reality may be that he does not have genuine astrological knowledge and is using his marketing skills and shrewd guesswork to manipulate his clients.

Reference beyond the text

a. The astrologer attracts many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them. What does this tell you about the people of the town walking in the street?

The fact that the astrologer is able to attract many customers in the street who are pleased and astonished by what he tells them suggests that the people of the town walking in the street are seeking answers and guidance for their problems and are willing to believe in the astrologer's expertise and insights. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of other options for seeking help or advice, a belief in astrology as a legitimate source of guidance, or a desire for hope and reassurance in times of uncertainty.

Overall, this detail tells us that the people of the town walking in the street are facing various challenges and are seeking guidance and support to address them. They may be open to seeking out alternative sources of help and guidance and may be willing to believe in the astrologer's expertise, even if it is not based on genuine knowledge.

b. Why do most people want to know their future? Do you think astrologers can really help them know their future?

Most people may want to know their future for a variety of reasons, such as seeking reassurance, making important decisions, or preparing for potential challenges or opportunities. Some people may also be interested in knowing their future out of curiosity or a desire to understand the underlying patterns or forces at work in their lives.

It is generally not possible for astrologers or any other individuals to accurately predict an individual's future with certainty. Astrology is a system that purports to use the positions and movements of celestial bodies to understand and forecast human affairs and natural phenomena. While some people may believe that astrology can provide insight and guidance, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that astrology can accurately predict an individual's future.

Overall, it is important for individuals to be aware of the limitations of astrology and to be cautious about relying on it as a sole source of guidance or decision-making. It is always a good idea to consider multiple sources of information and to use critical thinking skills when evaluating claims about the future.

c. Is astrology a good practice of fortune telling or is it just a blind faith? Give reasons.

Astrology is a practice that purports to use the positions and movements of celestial bodies to understand and forecast human affairs and natural phenomena. While some people may believe that astrology can provide insight and guidance, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that astrology can accurately predict an individual's future or provide any meaningful insight into their lives.

In many cases, astrology may be based on a combination of superstition, tradition, and cultural beliefs, rather than on any empirical or scientific principles. As a result, astrology may be considered a form of fortune telling that relies on belief and faith rather than on any objective or verifiable evidence.

Overall, astrology may be seen as a practice that relies on blind faith, rather than on any reliable or scientific method for predicting the future or understanding human affairs. It is important for individuals to be aware of the limitations of astrology and to be cautious about relying on it as a sole source of guidance or decision-making.