The Printer of Malgudi: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Printer of Malgudi: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives of key figures within the narrative, centering on themes of identity, aspiration, and disillusionment. The protagonist, Srinivas, is a middle-aged editor grappling with the burdens of domestic life and his yearning for meaningful expression through journalism. He establishes a newspaper, The Banner, to challenge societal norms but faces turmoil when his press closes, leading him to a disheartening stint in the film industry. Sampath, the flamboyant owner of Truth Printing Works, embodies both charm and manipulation, influencing those around him while ultimately losing control over his own life.
Ravi, Srinivas’ neighbor, showcases the struggles of obsession through his infatuation with Shanti, an actress whose beauty captivates him and leads to tragic consequences. The old man, Srinivas' landlord, represents a miserly and reclusive figure whose life is intertwined with the younger characters’ aspirations. Shanti herself is a symbol of beauty and desire, navigating complicated relationships and ultimately leaving behind the chaos of failed ambitions. Together, these characters reflect the nuanced interplay of personal and societal challenges in the town of Malgudi, inviting readers to explore deeper questions about human nature and the pursuit of fulfillment.
The Printer of Malgudi: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: R. K. Narayan
First published: 1949, in Great Britain as Mr. Sampath (U.S. edition, 1957)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Malgudi, in southern India
Plot: Comic realism
Time: 1938
Srinivas, the protagonist, the editor of a weekly paper and later a frustrated screenwriter. Nearly forty years old, graying, and somewhat cynical, he spent years trying to fit in but found that the domestic duties with his wife and son became an extra burden. Leaving home, he ends up in the town of Malgudi, where, with his keen, questioning mind, he establishes The Banner, a paper in which he idealistically attacks the pigheadedness of humankind and attempts to prod humanity into pursuing some sort of perfection. When Sampath's Truth Printing Works closes, Srinivas is forced to cease publication. Without his paper, he finds himself even more lost and confused. He becomes a screenwriter for Sampath's new venture, Sunrise Pictures, but quickly becomes frustrated and disillusioned with the film industry. Attempting to search for some underlying meaning and value, he acts as a spectator of life and ends up questioning his knowledge of the self and of his own true identity. After the collapse of his friend, Ravi, and of the film company, he sets off to reestablish The Banner with a much more realistic concept of life and of business. He also realizes that he cannot fight the passage of time and that he must live his life as well as he can.
Sampath, the printer of the novel's title. An effusive, flamboyant, unpredictable, and eloquent man, he is the owner of Truth Printing Works and later the director of productions for Sunrise Pictures. A take-charge sort of man with a commanding presence, he is an invaluable help to Srinivas and The Banner. He is also very manipulative, however, and when his press closes he not only gets Srinivas to write a screenplay but also manipulates the producers, directors, and actors of the film and even manages to convince Srinivas' miserly landlord to invest five thousand rupees in the production. Such manipulations take their toll, however, for Sampath finds himself losing control over the entire situation. Despite his wife and five children, he carries on an affair with Shanti; after the collapse of the film company, he goes away with her. He returns only to tell Srinivas of the failure of the film company and the failure of his relationship with Shanti, then disappears from Srinivas' life as suddenly as he first appeared.
Ravi, Srinivas'neighbor, a bank clerk with artistic talent. The twenty-eight-year-old Ravi is the sole provider for a rather large family and suffers from an obsessive personality. He is first obsessed with his dictatorial boss, the general manager of the bank, and then with the face of a girl whom he sees on the streets and whom he sketches afterward. He then transfers that obsession to Shanti, an actress who resembles his drawing of the girl. This obsession drives him mad, and in an insane outburst he attempts to kidnap Shanti, in the process ruining the film. Left a mumbling lunatic, he is rescued and cared for by Srinivas, who sees some hope for recovery and who plans to use his artistic talents for his new paper.
The old man, Srinivas'landlord. A widower, the old man has taken on the role of a sanyasi,orholyascetic.Amiserlyman with few friends, he refuses to install another water tap or fix up the house at all. Becoming friendly with Srinivas, he asks his help in getting Ravi to marry his granddaughter. When this fails, he takes on Sampath as a student of Sanskrit and agrees to invest in his film company if Sampath can arrange the marriage. He dies rather suddenly, and members of his family start appearing and competing against one another for the property. The necessary repairs and improvements to the house finally are made.
Shanti, an actress. Enchanting and beautiful, with a perfect figure, rosy complexion, arched eyebrows, and almond-shaped eyes, Shanti is the object of Ravi's obsession and Sampath's desire. Posing as Sampath's cousin, she carries on a secret affair with him but eventually leaves him after Sunrise Pictures is shut down.