AN ASTROLOGER’S DAY | MODULE - 3

An Astrologer’s Day – NIOS Class 12 English Summary, Character Sketch, Themes & Lessons

📘 Introduction

“An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan is a compelling short story from Module 3 of the NIOS Class 12 English syllabus. Set in a lively Indian marketplace, the story explores how the past often returns in unexpected ways. It blends suspense, irony, and insight to show how guilt and deception can deeply influence human lives—and how fate sometimes delivers poetic justice.

📖 Detailed Summary

The protagonist is a man who pretends to be an astrologer in a busy marketplace. His appearance—colored turban, sacred ash, and a fake beard—gives him an air of spiritual authority. Though he lacks real astrological knowledge, he survives by reading body language, making calculated guesses, and charming people with confident talk.

One evening, a stranger challenges the astrologer to prove his powers. As they converse, the astrologer realizes that the man is actually someone he once believed he had killed in a street brawl years ago. That incident forced him to flee his village and live a false life.

With quick wit, the astrologer tells the man that his attacker (himself) is already dead and warns him to never return to that village. The stranger, satisfied with the answer, walks away feeling relieved.

That night, the astrologer reveals the truth to his wife: the man he once thought he murdered is alive. This revelation frees him from years of guilt and gives him a rare sense of peace.

The story ends with a twist: though the astrologer’s life is built on lies, a chance encounter helps him confront his past and find emotional redemption.

👤 Character Sketch: The Astrologer

TraitDescription
Observant & SharpMasters people-reading despite no real training
Deceptive but CleverSurvives through lies, but not out of cruelty
Burdened by GuiltHaunted by a violent past
Secretly RelievedFinally finds peace and clarity after years

💡 Themes & Moral Lessons

ThemeExplanation
Guilt and RedemptionThe burden of guilt can shape lives until addressed
Fate and IronyLife often surprises us with poetic justice
Truth vs. DeceptionNot all lies are harmful—some protect or heal
Street-Smart IntelligenceReal-world cunning can be as powerful as formal education

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The astrologer is a fake but highly intuitive

  • He fled his village after thinking he killed a man

  • That same man visits him unknowingly for advice

  • He convinces the man his attacker is dead

  • The astrologer finds peace knowing he never killed anyone

✍️ Personal Reflection

This story reveals that even those who live behind a mask may carry deep wounds. The astrologer is no saint, yet he finds redemption in his own way. His cleverness, when tested, becomes a tool for emotional healing. It reminds us that truth, even if delayed or disguised, has the power to liberate.

📚 Suitable For

  • NIOS Class 12 English Revision

  • Literary Analysis and Critical Thinking

  • R.K. Narayan’s Short Story Discussions

  • Essays on Guilt, Irony, and Redemption

✅ Related Lessons from NIOS English

  • The Tiger and the Traveller – Judging character by actions

  • Interview with Arunima Sinha – Redemption through bravery

  • Bholi – Overcoming past trauma with inner strength

⚠️ Disclaimer

This summary is written for educational purposes and is based on the NIOS Class 12 English textbook. All interpretations are simplified to help learners. Refer to the official book for the full story and exercises.

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