Character analysis of Krishna in The English Teacher by RK Narayan

Krishna is the central character in R.K. Narayan’s novel “The English Teacher”. He is a young, idealistic and thoughtful man who works as an English teacher at Albert Mission College in Malgudi, a fictional town in southern India. Krishna is portrayed as a highly educated man who is deeply interested in literature and philosophy. He is passionate about teaching and is committed to his profession, despite the low pay and long hours. He is well-liked by his students, who find him engaging and knowledgeable.
Krishna’s personal life is marked by tragedy and loss. His wife, Susila, dies shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Leela. Krishna is devastated by her death and struggles to come to terms with his grief. He turns to spirituality and begins to search for meaning in his life through meditation and contemplation. As the novel progresses, Krishna becomes increasingly disillusioned with his job and begins to question the value of his education. He feels trapped by the rigid expectations of his profession and longs for a deeper connection to his students and the world around him.

Krishna is a complex and multifaceted character who is both introspective and outwardly focused. He is compassionate and kind-hearted, and he is deeply committed to his family and friends. He is also highly introspective and philosophical, constantly questioning his place in the world and the meaning of life. Krishna is a compelling and sympathetic character who grapples with profound questions about life, death, and the human experience. Through his journey of self-discovery and personal growth, he ultimately finds a sense of peace and purpose that resonates with readers.

One of the most significant aspects of Krishna’s character is his search for meaning and purpose in life. After his wife’s death, he begins to question the value of his education and his job as an English teacher. He feels that the education system is overly focused on memorization and rote learning, and that it fails to provide students with a meaningful and enriching education. This realization prompts him to search for a deeper connection with his students and the world around him. Krishna’s spiritual journey is also a central aspect of his character. He turns to meditation and yoga as a means of coping with his grief and finding a sense of peace. Through his spiritual practice, he begins to develop a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. He becomes more open-minded and accepting of others, and he is able to find beauty and meaning in everyday life.

Krishna’s relationships with other characters are also important in shaping his character. His relationship with his daughter, Leela, is particularly significant. He is a loving and devoted father who is determined to provide her with a meaningful education and a strong sense of values. His relationship with his friend, the poet Narayan, also helps to shape his character. Narayan provides him with guidance and support throughout his spiritual journey, and he is a source of wisdom and inspiration for Krishna.

Overall, Krishna is a complex and multi-dimensional character who grapples with deep questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence. His spiritual journey and his relationships with other characters help to shape his character and provide insight into the human experience. Through his struggles and triumphs, he emerges as a sympathetic and relatable character who resonates with readers.