Art of Storytelling: A Study of R. K. Narayan’s Short Stories and Their Reflection on Indian Culture

Abstract

R.K Narayan is one of the most popular writers in the history of Indian English Literature. His short stories are representations of various cultural circumstances of contemporary Indian society. His characters not only represented various personalities but also inspired others in several ways. He has used various mythological concepts in his short stories to reflect Indian culture in various contexts. By incorporating Indian myths and legendary characters, Narayan portrays religious rituals as credible practices in the Indian context. This blending of myth and the real lives of common people adds depth and cultural context to his narratives. This paper explores the art of storytelling in R.K Narayan's short stories and their reflection on Indian cultural values. His stories are known for their vivid depiction of Indian culture and traditional customs. This paper is an attempt to analyze how Narayan uses his narrative techniques to represent various elements in Indian society, and also the role of women characters in his narratives. It also studies how his popular works reflect the social and cultural practices of our country during the period of independence. R.K. Narayan’s short stories offer a multifaceted interpretation of Indian culture, reflecting its contradictions and convolutions. Hence, the findings of this study point out that the unique narrative technique of Narayan captures the essence of Indian culture making him a noteworthy figure in the contemporary era of Indian English Literature.