By: Lara H., Vianna C., Jeremy B., Divya R. Swami Raju’s End By: Lara H., Vianna C., Jeremy B., Divya R.

Dominant Effect Narayan reveals that Raju has been narrating his life to Velan when Narayan ends the shifts from first to third person point of view, which sheds light on Raju’s transition from being self- centered to being selfless.

Swami Raju’s Instagram In light of all the commotion by the river side, many of Raju’s followers have brought with them ways to remember their experience by the Swami. Recently, Instagram has been swarmed with pictures of Raju, the river, and the hills from devoted followers claiming their darshan by his feet. Raju set up this Instagram following the need for the older generation to get in touch with the younger generation that is not as familiar with the religious ways.

Instagram Bio -Shows his conceit -Profile pic makes him look desirable and glorified -Shows his desire for rain -Who is he following?

Instagram Post #1 Shows his devotion to his religious persona Represents how he wants to be perceived by others Doesn’t let people know his inner self. Can only view from the outside. He thinks to himself, “Get out, all of you, and leave me alone, I am not the man to save you” but cannot say it because he has built up his persona too much. “If by avoiding food I should help the trees bloom, and the grass grow, why not do it thoroughly? (188)

Instagram Post #2 The life Raju used to have in the form of gifts and goods Shows perpetual desire Initially, fasting is the hardest thing for Raju and he feels animosity towards the villagers and Velan He knew what that smoke meant; he knew that they were eating and enjoying themselves. He wondered what they might be eating — rice boiled with a pinch of saffron, melted ghee — and what were the vegetables? Probably none in this drought. The sight tormented him. (186)

Instagram Post #3 The carousel that was set up by the people who believe in his divinity Represents the circle of lies that Raju has created; never-ending. Digging himself deeper and deeper The poor fellow was tremendously excited and straining himself in order to make this penance a success, providing the great man concerned with every comfort — except, of course, food. Why not give the poor devil a chance? (188)

Instagram Post #4 Velan, the only man whom he is truthful to because he was the one who ‘discovered’ Raju. After he tells Velan the truth Raju feels indebted to him and resolves to continue his role. “Why not give the poor devil a chance? Raju said to himself, instead of hankering after food which one could not get anyway” (188). "I'll go back to the village to do my morning duties. I will come back later. And I'll never speak a word of what I have heard to anyone." He dramatically thumped his chest. "It has gone down there, and there it will remain." (185)

Instagram Post #5 Represents Raju’s transformation from a man who just got out of prison to a man embracing his role of Swami For the first time in his life he was making an earnest effort; for the first time he was learning the thrill of full application, outside money and love; for the first time he was doing a thing in which he was not personally interested. (189)

Discussion Questions: Get out a Notecard!! At the end of the book, what do you think happened to Raju? Did he truly feel the rain in the hills? What does the Crocodile symbolize, and what is Narayan trying to tell the audience through this symbol? What is Malone’s purpose in this last chapter? Does he add to the story, or does he distract from the story? Why does Velan play along with Raju, even though Raju lied to him about being a holy man?

Kahoot! Get out your phone and prepare yourself for a thirlling game of Kahoot! :)