MARRIAGE - BEYOND CONSUMMATION: THE METAPHYSICAL UNION OF KRISHNAN AND SUSILA (WITH REFERENCE TO THE NOVEL THE ENGLISH TEACHER) R.K. NARAYAN

Abstract [English]

The novel The English Teacher is the spiritual odyssey of the novelist R.K. Narayan to achieve peace and harmony in his life after the sad demise of his young wife. Krishnan, the English teacher of Albert Mission College lost his wife Susila after brief illness. The premature demise of Susila created a spiritual vacuum in Krishnan’s happy married life. He was in deep sorrow and despair. But this dark phase did not continue for a long period in Krishnan’s life. He established a psychic union with his departed wife by the help of a communicator. The communicator was a gentleman from the village Tayur near Malgudi. Later, the spirit of Susila suggested Krishnan not to depend on other people and get her assess directly. It was a difficult task but the love of Krishnan for Susila made it possible. Initially Krishnan did not get success but with rigorous mental and spiritual exercise he finally got success to make contact to Susila’s spirit. It was an unforgettable moment in the life of Krishnan. It gave hope and happiness to him. Narayan’s depiction of Krishnan has a close resemblance to his life. The novel is autobiographical in nature.