Superstition and Science: If this novel were a straightforward attack on Western Imperialism and the influence of the British in India, we would perhaps expect a favourable depiction of the non-rational, spiritual and superstitious elements of Indian culture in over the portrayal of Western-style scientific ideas as cold and unfeeling and, to a degree this happens. The doctors, with their confidence in the rules of Typhoid are unable to save Susila and the novel clearly ends on a climax that reinforces Indian-style beliefs in life after death and reincarnation which are in contrast to the Western scientific tradition. However, as with most other themes, the distinction is not that simple as Narayan strives to make us cynical about whether the mystic really is communicating with Susila (given all the wrong information she reports) as well as undermining simpler superstitions about bathing to prevent hair loss. The accuracy of the Headmaster’s astrologer is also called into question as he does not, in fact, die when predicted, although it is true that he does experience a kind of re-birth so some kind of death could be said to have occurred. Equally, Western medicine is not uniformly criticized. The exorcist, after all, is also incapable of saving Susila and the doctor, although perfunctory and mechanical in his office, becomes human and caring after his initial visit to Krishna’s home. As with many of the other themes Narayan seems to believe that it is not simply a question of choosing one tradition or the other but instead of borrowing elements from both.
If this novel were a straightforward attack on Western Imperialism and the influence of the British in India, we would perhaps expect a favourable depiction of the non-rational, spiritual and superstitious elements of Indian culture in over the portrayal of Western-style scientific ideas as cold and unfeeling and, to a degree this happens. The doctors, with their confidence in the rules of Typhoid are unable to save Susila and the novel clearly ends on a climax that reinforces Indian-style beliefs in life after death and reincarnation which are in contrast to the Western scientific tradition. However, as with most other themes, the distinction is not that simple as Narayan strives to make us cynical about whether the mystic really is communicating with Susila (given all the wrong information she reports) as well as undermining simpler superstitions about bathing to prevent hair loss. The accuracy of the Headmaster’s astrologer is also called into question as he does not, in fact, die when predicted, although it is true that he does experience a kind of re-birth so some kind of death could be said to have occurred. Equally, Western medicine is not uniformly criticized. The exorcist, after all, is also incapable of saving Susila and the doctor, although perfunctory and mechanical in his office, becomes human and caring after his initial visit to Krishna’s home. As with many of the other themes Narayan seems to believe that it is not simply a question of choosing one tradition or the other but instead of borrowing elements from both.