The Guide Identity Analysis

Considered as the greatest novel of R. K.Narayan, The guide, published in 1958, is a philosophical novel which addresses humanity problems with a touch of irony. As many philosophical novels, The guide discusses the importance of fate and its consequences in the human’s life. One of the consequences which are identity changes represents a major theme; in fact, another important theme in the novel stays the notion of identity that varies. The exploration of identity in The Guide through the protagnist’s multiple identities , reveals that environment dictates the protagonist’s identity.

Each setting in The Guide contains a special expectation and therefore shapes the protagonist’s identity to make him conform to the setting. As a matter of fact,

When one notes all the description and all the expectations of a temple, one expects to see the character within that setting to have its characteristics. The temple is a place where lost people go to. The temple is a very quiet place where people go to find accord with themselves. It represents the following step in forging Raju’s identity to that of a spiritual guide. Approximating the river bank, the temple is a quiet pacific place which welcomes tranquil and peaceful leaders. That particular aspect of the atmosphere compels him to behave identically to a spiritual guide. In fact, this is shown by his ancient identity. Raju used to be a manager and therefore a person used to noisy places and noisy chattering. Nonetheless, when presented in the river bank or the temple, he becomes the opposite. Manifested by the use of a pious person’s jargon, the protagonist conspicuously creates a new identity. In fact, the change is demonstrated by his different demeanor. Raju uses figurative speech to play the role of a spiritual guide. For example, on page 18, the character declares

In fact, Raju washes away all the characteristics of a shop owner to become a tourist guide. In the life of a tourist guide, Raju has a new identity. In fact, he went in a different context and became a man guided primarily by lust.

A hotel has distinct expectations. The hotel as in many literature books is defined to be the place where sinners go to. It is considered a home away from home. Therefore everything is permitted. Rosie and Raju’s sexual tensions are emphasized there. Raju has a feeling of lust there. His identity changes, he does not love anymore; he is only conducted by lust.

The Peak house also symbolizes lust and nature where the wildest feelings including sexual ones are manifested and expressed conspicuously. This setting has a particular expectation. In fact, one can see that because it is close to nature, people’s wildest feelings are expressed. Due to the house’s altitude also, one is expected to believe that his greatest dreams are meant to be implemented. On chapter five, page 54, Raju declares:

“… the Mempi Peak House excites in certain natures unexpected reactions… but it only acted as an