The use of Myth as a special technique in R.K Narayan’s novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi

Abstract

This paper initiates to introduce R.K Narayan’s ingenuity in the use of Myth or Mythology and Folks in his novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi. India is a land of ancient myths and folks as seen in the great epics and in the ‘Puranas’ and these myths and folks are the vehicles of social history expressing the social ethos when they become a significant part in literature, history and sociology. In his novels Narayan has deeply studied them and used them in his own way reflecting the socio-cultural, socio-economic, socio-political and psychological aspects of Indian society. His The Man-Eater of Malgudi ably represents these aspects of the society through the character of Vasu, the demon or the Rakshasa, a symbol of evil forces of human life. The main objectives as mythical structure, technique and methods are organised in such a way that the author is able to create a metaphysical world in it. The author’s use of Hindu mythology finds a true reflection in this novel and through it he is able to represent a philosophical world of human mind and its overall effects on human society. Narayan’s main attempt in this novel is to introduce the two contrasting forces- ‘Good and Evil’ that exist in every human mind, are distinctly focused. The novelist also represents in it a good lesson for every individual how the evil forces though possess immense power are ultimately vanquished and the good forces triumph over them. In fact, ‘Poetic justice’ finds its true expression in this novel and with it peace, prosperity, a world of love, sanctity, solitude and harmony are established.