Analyzing the Struggles and Strife of 19th Century India through R. K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days

Akshara Dayal

Authors

Akshara Dayal Department of Amity School of Languages, Amity University, Lucknow https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1591-7205

Keywords:

Malgudi Days, 19th century India, social issues, British colonialism, gender disparities, economic inequality, fictional storytelling, universal themes, historical context, R.K. Narayan

Abstract

Aims: This research paper's objectives are to analyze R.K. Narayan's Malgudi Days' portrayal of individual problems in 19th-century India, to highlight those struggles, and to investigate how those components of that era's sociocultural are portrayed in the novel.

Methodology and Approaches: The short stories in Malgudi Days are examined utilizing a literary analysis method in this essay. The characters, situations, and topics are highlighted in order to show the challenges and societal issues that were common in 19th-century India. In order to provide a greater understanding of the sociocultural circumstances during the British colonial period in India, the research includes historical data and context. To determine the ideas contained in the book's universality and their applicability to the present, a comparative analysis will be done.

Outcome: In order to shed light on themes like economic injustice, gender inequities, and societal standards existing throughout the 19th century, the research paper will identify and explore the numerous challenges experienced by characters in Malgudi Days. Through the use of fictional storytelling, the study will offer insights into the social problems and difficulties that people in India during British colonialism experienced.

The essay will examine the ideas of the book's universality and how they connect with readers from various time periods and cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion and suggestions: The study comes to the conclusion that Malgudi Days reflects the challenges and strife of 19th-century India while providing topics that are timeless and yet apply to modern society. The book is an enduring literary work because it depicts social issues and reflects the human experience. Future research could examine R.K.'s literary works further to improve understanding of this era. Narayan and other writers from the same time period offer a thorough understanding of the social dynamics of the period.