Academic Discourse
Year : 2012, Volume : 1, Issue : 2
First page : ( 40) Last page : ( 47)
Print ISSN : 2278-3296. Online ISSN : 2349-4441.

A Study of Adulterous Relations in R. K. Narayan's The Guide.

Dr. Singh Balbir

Associate Professor & Head, P. G. Dept. of English, Government P. G. College, Karnal, Haryana, India

Online published on 18 June, 2014.

Abstract

In The Guide (1958) Narayan explores the complex theme of adultery. The lovers Raju and Rosie transgress the social and moral boundaries in order to fulfill their illusory sensual pleasures and end in disillusionment and despondency. The topic, however, is highly controversial, since the whole idea of marriage is undergoing a sea change in contemporary society. Pure sexual pleasure outside legal and social marriage brings with it a gloomy sense of guilt as the person carries the burden of traditional morality on his psyche in one form or the other. Though this may smack of cultural intolerance, few will disagree that this is not a healthy and wholesome development as far as moral evolution of human community is concerned. Hence the significance of this study and its conclusions. The author has tried to map the genesis and consequences of such relations in the context of universal ethical values.

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Keywords

Adultery, Sensual Pleasures, Marriage, Extramarital Relations, Human Community, Morality.

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