An Astrologer’s Day | Exercise With Summary | Grade 11 | English
0Summary of "An Astrologer's Day"
An astrologer, Guru Nayak, sits under a tree in a busy market square, attracting customers with his impressive appearance and confident demeanor. He uses his knowledge of astrology to provide them with insights into their past, present, and future, earning a decent living.
One day, a stranger approaches the astrologer, requesting to know his future. The astrologer studies the stranger's palm and senses an air of uncertainty and trouble surrounding him. He cautions the stranger to return home immediately, warning him of an impending danger.
The stranger is skeptical and questions the astrologer's credibility. To prove his abilities, the astrologer provides detailed information about the stranger's past, including events that the stranger had never shared with anyone else. Impressed and convinced, the stranger follows the astrologer's advice and leaves.
Later that evening, as the astrologer is packing up, a man rushes towards him, seeking help for his critically injured brother-in-law, who had been knocked down by a speeding car. The astrologer recognizes the man as the stranger he had warned earlier. The man thanks the astrologer for saving his brother-in-law's life.
Understanding the text:
a. The astrologer's appearance, with his turban, flowing beard, and impressive attire, attracts customers. He helps them satisfy their needs by providing insights into their lives and offering guidance.
b. The astrologer initially treats the stranger with caution and suspicion, but as the stranger persists, he becomes more open and willing to help him.
c. The astrologer tells the stranger about his past, including his struggles and successes, his family background, and his journey to becoming an astrologer.
d. The astrologer advises the stranger to go home immediately because he senses that the stranger is in danger and that returning home will help him avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.
e. The conversation between the astrologer and his wife reveals that they share a loving and supportive relationship, with his wife helping him in his work and trusting his abilities as an astrologer.
Reference to the context:
a. Suspense in the story is created through the astrologer's mysterious appearance, his cryptic warnings to the stranger, and the revelation of the stranger's true identity at the end of the story.
b. The story presents several conflicts: the internal conflict within the astrologer as he struggles with his moral obligations towards the stranger; the external conflict between the astrologer and the stranger as the latter doubts the astrologer's abilities; and the overall conflict between fate and free will as the astrologer tries to alter the course of the stranger's destiny.
c. i. The speaker is the astrologer. ii. He is speaking to the stranger. iii. The expression 'open my mouth' means to speak or reveal information.
d. The author uses vivid descriptions of the astrologer's appearance, including his piercing eyes, his long white beard, and his impressive attire, to create a mysterious and authoritative aura around him.
e. The irony in the story lies in the fact that the stranger, who initially doubts the astrologer's abilities and seeks to challenge him, ultimately comes to rely on the astrologer's guidance and is saved from danger because of it.
f. The astrologer's manner of dress suits his character as it reflects his profession and adds to his credibility and authority.
Reference beyond the text:
a. The fact that the astrologer attracts many customers who are pleased and astonished by his words indicates that the people of the town are open to believing in astrology and value the insights it can provide.
b. Most people want to know their future because it gives them a sense of control and certainty in an uncertain world. Astrologers offer them a way to understand their lives and make informed decisions, although their predictions are not always accurate.
c. Whether astrology is a good practice or blind faith is a matter of personal belief and interpretation. While some believe that astrologers can accurately predict the future, others see it as a form of entertainment or a way to gain insight into their own personalities and potential.