Vasu's Influence upon Nataraj's Development (R.K. Narayan's The Man-Eater of Malgudi)

Maegan Allen

Professor Jessica Graves

English 1013A

October 26, 2005

Vasu’s Influence upon Nataraj’s Development

R.K. Narayan’s The Man-Eater of Malgudi is told in a creatively comical style, conceiving impressive characters and circumstances. The novel deals with the adaptation of society as it encounters the imposition of change, which is best illustrated among the actions of the two main characters, Nataraj and Vasu. Throughout the narrative Nataraj becomes easily influenced by the actions of Vasu and yields to many changes and developments in his own character.

Before Vasu’s tenancy in Malgudi, the town and its inhabitants maintained a conservative and welcoming environment. Nataraj was a simple printer with a close set of friends and frequent visitors. However, with the entrance of Vasu, the eccentric antagonist, things began to get complicated. Nataraj attempted to handle his first encounter with Vasu in a dominating fashion, yet the initial encounter foreshadowed the continuous conflict that would emerge between the two throughout the rest of the novel. “Before I could open my mouth, he asked, ‘You Nataraj?’ I nodded. He came forward, practically tearing aside the curtain, an act which violated the sacred traditions of my press” (15). Even though Nataraj was intimidated by the forwardness of Vasu he maintained his composure and directed Vasu by his appropriate means of conducting business, an aspect that Nataraj eventually succumbs to at the hand of Vasu.

By their second encounter Nataraj already succumbed to the influence of Vasu. “I found it a nuisance to have Vasu and his minions pass up and down by the press I opened a side gate in the compound, which admitted his jeep into a little yard from Kabir Lane and gave him direct access to the wooden stairs” (25). Perhaps it is Nataraj’s interest in the newcomer that altered his actions so quickly. Even though Nataraj was discontent with the actions of Vasu he accommodated his needs.

The next notable change in Nataraj’s character was his lack of concern ...

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The next notable change in Nataraj’s character was his lack of concern to intervene in the conflicting actions of Vasu, which were harmful to his reputation. “I left everyone alone. If they wrangled and lost their heads and voices, it was their business and not mine. Even if heads had been broken, I don’t think I’d have interfered. I had resigned myself to anything. If had cared for a peaceful existence, I should have rejected Vasu on the first day” (27). Nataraj wished to avoid confrontation with Vasu, so he simply carried on with his business. Consequently Nataraj’s inaction develops further throughout the novel and led to his brief downfall.

As the reader can observe, Nataraj is intimidated by Vasu and does not step in or respond for fear that Vasu will become aggravated. “I was appalled at the thought that I was harboring this destroyer, but I hadn’t the courage to go up to him and say, ‘Take yourself and your museum out of here!’ He might do anything-bellow at me, or laugh scornfully, or rattle my bones. I felt dwarfed and tongue-tied before him” (52). Even though Nataraj sees the immorality of Vasu’s lifestyle reflecting upon his own, he cannot bring himself to do anything about it. This is further supported through his interactions with Sastri. “I could see that Sastri was greatly exercised. It was no use joking with him or trying to make him take a lighter view. I feared that he might take steps himself, if I showed indifference” (72). For fear that Sastri would come upon Vasu’s irritability if he disrupted him Nataraj simply covered it up and acted as if Vasu’s actions did not merit a disagreement.

Nataraj also detained some of Vasu’s dominance, which he imposed upon Sastri when he challenged Nataraj concerning his inaction in regards to Vasu’s behavior. Sastri was troubled because he recognized that it was affecting the reputation of the press. “I stood beside him without a word except to sound bossy” (80). Identical to Vasu, Nataraj attempts to dominate the situation and make himself feel superior to Sastri.

Nataraj was initially captured by an interest in Vasu because he was distinctive and from a different culture than his own. However, in becoming intimidated by Vasu it became hopeless for Nataraj to stand up to him. However, perhaps Vasu’s sense of empowerment allowed Nataraj to develop the audacity to end Vasu’s power over him and Malgudi. Although it is fictional, the novel accurately deals with the adaptation of society as it encounters the impositions of change.

Works Cited

Narayan, R.K. The Man-Eater of Malgudi. Penguin Books Ltd., London, England, 1983.