Research Paper on:
The Man Eater of Malgudi by R.K. Narayan

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
his works, Narayans classic novels were introduced to appreciative Western readers. In many ways, Narayans texts represent the true heart and soul of India. His plots often interweaved  the old world with the new, making no secret of his reverence for the cultural traditions of India in all its Hindu simplicity before the arrival of Western colonialism tainted  its practices. Regarded by many critics as Narayans masterpiece, The Man-Eater of Malgudi, first published in 1961, represents the conflict of colonial society versus the pure wilderness that comprises  much of the small village of Malgudi that was featured in most of the authors works, but only existed in his imagination. Despite the deft touches of comedy, The  Man-Eater of Malgudi employs the contrast between society and the wilderness to construct a serious study of good and evil. It is recommended that the student who is writing  about this topic consider that the tale is based upon the ancient Indian myth of Bhasmasura, a monstrous creature whose sole purpose is to terrify earthly mortals, which adds to  the storys irony. Before the arrival of a taxidermist and poacher named Vasu, Malgudi was a primitive village and its residents were most content to remain as such. He  symbolizes the way in which the British colonials first ventured into India as Christian missionaries intent upon educating what they regarded as the Indian barbarians. They were practically unnoticed  at first, just as Vasu was, innocuously taking lodging in the attic of a local printer named Mr. Nataraj. Then, Vasu began showing off his handiwork, the hyenas and  the cubs of the wild he illegally killed for profit. When the arrogant Vasu, who has no respect for the local customs, expresses his intention to kill Kumar, the