R.K. Narayan's Like the Sun

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Every young child is told to always tell the truth and that being honest is good. However, some information can create much chaos and is sometimes better unspoken. R.K. Narayan demonstrates the importance this of balance in his story “Like The Sun.” By using dramatic irony, figurative language, and situational irony, Narayan shows that the truth can have consequences.
One of the ways Narayan shows that the truth can have consequences is by using dramatic irony. One example where Narayan uses dramatic irony is when Sekhar is eating his wife's meal. Sekhar seems hesitant and she questions him saying, “Why, isn't it good?” (Narayan, 191). The reader knows that he will have to tell her the truth and that telling her the truth will anger her. Another use of dramatic irony is while Sekhar is walking into the school where he teaches. He is questioned by one of his colleagues, “'Did you hear of the death of so-and-so? Don’t you think it a pity?' 'No' Sekhar answered.” (Narayan, 192). Even before the words are spoken, the reader know 's Sekhar's answer because the reader knows about his experiment whereas his colleagues do not. The next way Narayan shows that the truth has consequences by using dramatic irony is when he is invited to his headmaster's house. At his house, the headmaster sings for him and wants his honest opinion about his performance. By using dramatic irony, Narayan foreshadows what is to come. He again shows that telling the truth can have consequences by having the headmaster call him the next day and make him correct one hundred papers in a single night. Clearly Narayan's use of dramatic irony shows everyone who reads his story that the truth can have consequences.
Another device Narayan uses to explain that the trut...

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... I want it immediately – your frank opinion. Was it good?'” (Narayan 193) to which Sekhar replies, “'No, sir . . . .'” (Narayan 193). Everybody would expect Sekhar to compliment his boss on his singing, but Sekhar tells the truth and says that his singing is bad. Once again, Sekhar is punished for telling the truth by having to grade 100 test papers in a single night. Clearly, Narayan uses situational irony to show that telling the truth has consequences.
In conclusion, by using dramatic irony, showing internal conflict, and using figurative language in his story “Like The Sun,” R.K. Narayan reveals that the truth can have consequences. Throughout the story Narayan gives examples of how when the truth is told there are harsh consequences. However, Narayan shows that the truth may hurt people's feelings initially, but in the end, it will help people learn and grow.

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