Who Are You? Gunas In R.K. Narayan’s Men Protagonists

Book Code: 1111018185607

Roopa Shankar

ABOUT THE BOOK

Humans respond differently to relationships & situations. This trait is attributed to the theory of Modes of Nature or Gunas. This book reflects on the conundrum of life and offers multiple answers related to the self. By focusing on the men protagonists in RK Narayan's novels, the book contemplates on human behavior through the lens of three Gunas- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roopa Shankar, is working with children as a learning facilitator and a counsellor since the past three decades. After receiving a Master's degree in Child Development from Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, she established Little Scholars preschool in the city of Prayagraj. She dedicates this book, a corollary of her thesis, to her professor, Dr S Anandalakshmy who inspired in Roopa, the spark of knowledge, passion for learning and service in the area of Child Development.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ..................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................. 11
1. Amalgamating Themes ............................................................ 15
• Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami
• The Modes of Nature (Gunas)
2. Predominance of Sattva Guna ................................................. 25
• Novels and Characters
• Wisdom and Knowledge
• Compassion
• Gandhian Way of Life
• Religious Bent of Mind and Spirituality
3. Impact of Rajas Guna.............................................................. 67
• Novels and Characters
• Desire, Passion and Lust
• Attachment
• Obedience
• Ambition and Action
4. Influence of Tamas Guna....................................................... 109
• Novels and Characters
• Lack of Self-Control
• Delusion
• Ignorance
5. Comparison of Narayan’s Men Protagonists with the select Ones of Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao ....................... 139
Conclusion............................................................................. 147
Bibliography .......................................................................... 157
Index ....................................................................................... 163