Chapter Two: A Meeting of Worlds Understanding “A Horse and Two Goats”

A Horse and Two Goats The short story “A Horse and Two Goats” is written by R. K. Narayan, a famous Indian writer who was among the first to bring Indian literature in English to a world-wide audience. His style of writing is simple and direct, yet he manages to capture complicated situations and feelings through the use of dialogue and description. He often wrote about ordinary people in humorous everyday situations in India, just as he does in the story here.

A story of misunderstandings Most short stories use dialogue as a form of communication between people. This short story uses dialogue as a form of lack of communication between two people. This takes the reader by surprise and brings humor to the tale.

The horse and warrior The statue of a horse and warrior brings the two characters together It was made many generations ago to protect the village from evil It is not owned by anyone. It is not private property.

Talking past one another The American tourist does not speak Tamil. The Indian old man (Munti) does not speak English Both understand only what they wish to hear when the other speaks Neither understands the other

American and Indian worlds – Introductions The American tourist asks Muni if he smokes. The American speaks about himself slowly, so that Muni will understand. Muni replies that he knows nothing about a local murder. Muni explains that cattle get lost and he must go home.

American and Indian worlds – Requests The American asks to buy the statue. The American tries to drive a good bargain Muni explains that his grandfather’s, grandfather’s uncle knew how old it is. Muni explains at length about Hindu myths of the end of the world.

American and Indian Worlds – Cultural Conflict For the American, the most important thing is to achieve an aim – to buy the statue This reflects American values – communication for gain For the Indian, the most important thing is to keep the conversation going This reflects Indian values – communication as a form of mutual respect and balance

Making a deal Muni takes the money the American offers, thinking it is for his goats. The American believes he has bought the statue. Muni believes he has sold his goats. Both believe they have just made a good deal. Neither understands what has happened.

Humor and irony The constant misunderstandings make this story rather like the Norwegian tale “God dag mann kosteskaft” – a comedy of errors. It is ironic that it the American who wants to make a “good buy”, but it is the Indian who ends up getting a “good deal”. Clearly the author is making fun of both the American’s ignorance and the Indian’s naivety (though it is significant that the poor Indian ends up the winner!). Yet the author is not condemning either of the characters. He is simply observing what one American song writer has put so well – “Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.”