Exploring Tradition and Modernity in the Works of R.K. Narayan

Abstract

R.K. Narayan, a renowned figure in Indian English writing, is able to deftly combine elements of the past and the present in his storytelling. Within the context of his writings, this research investigates how Narayan manages to reconcile the contradiction that exists between cultural heritage and the needs of modernity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dualities that are present in the narratives of works such as The Financial Expert, The Dark Room, and Waiting for the Mahatma. These books illustrate the socio-economic revolutions that occurred in India throughout the middle of the 20th century. Malgudi, the fictional village that Narayan creates, serves as a microcosm in which the town's inhabitants are symbolic of the conflicts and reconciliations that arise from these dualities. The purpose of this research is to highlight Narayan's complex description of tradition, his subtle critique of modernity, and his ability to reflect the shifting dynamics of Indian culture through the use of theme analysis. This research underscores Narayan's function as a historian of cultural evolution, giving insights that will last for a long time into the human experience throughout times of transition.