Which of the following works of R. K. Narayan were published after independence?

A. The Dark Room
B. The English Teacher
C. The Financial Expert
D. Swami and Friends
E. The Guide

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Explanation:

The correct works published by R. K. Narayan after India's independence are "The Financial Expert" (1952) and "The Guide" (1958). These novels came after India gained independence in 1947.

“The Financial Expert” (1952): This novel focuses on the life of a financial expert, Malgudi’s central character, Srinivas. It examines the impact of modernity and the inherent contradictions in human nature, especially concerning money. The novel is set in Malgudi, Narayan's fictional town, and reflects the changing post-independence society.

“The Guide” (1958): This is one of R. K. Narayan's best-known works, where the central character, Raghuraman, becomes a guide and later a spiritual figure, reflecting on the complexities of human nature. It was later adapted into a film and remains a significant text in Indian literature.

Information Booster:

- R. K. Narayan (1906–2001), one of India's most beloved English-language authors, wrote a series of novels set in the fictional town of Malgudi, which became his trademark.

- His works offer a profound exploration of the human experience, often blending humor with serious social commentary.

“The Financial Expert” (1952) was published in the post-independence era, and it critiques modernity, the notion of success, and the power of money through the character of Srinivas, an ordinary man with an extraordinary career in money-lending.

- It also explores themes of self-deception and moral dilemmas.

“The Guide” (1958) is often considered a more mature and complex work. It is a story of Raghuraman, who begins as a tour guide and later transitions into the role of a spiritual leader, delving into issues of personal transformation, the clash between spirituality and materialism, and the role of tradition and modernity.

- This novel is regarded as one of the most important post-independence novels in Indian literature.