1. Neel Baxi Maizy Brewer Suvir Copparam Savannah Martini
The Guide Chapter 11
Neel Baxi
Maizy Brewer
Suvir Copparam Savannah Martini

2. Dominant Effect
Narayan conveys Raju’s reincarnation as the Swami through his second epiphany, ultimately concluding Raju’s character arc away from his materialist society.

3. New Media Rationale TWITTER! “Cyber diary”
Display what one wishes others to see about him/her
Facade as Swami
Internal vs. External conflict and how this develops within Raju

4. @YaBoiRailwayRaj

5. Raju’s First Epiphany Response to Velan Out of guilt
“He took a seat on it [ the river step] and Velan sat below. Raju moved down to his side” (87)
Epiphany is in vain → Raju does not fully change behaviors/become enlightened

6. Raju’s First Epiphany

7. Raju’s Second Epiphany
Unlike the first
Not out of guilt, but for greater good
“I’m only doing what I have to do. My likes and dislikes do not count” (193).
Brings actual change
“If by avoiding food I should help the trees bloom, and the grass grow, why not do it thoroughly?” (189)
Raju truly accepts his status as “the guide”/“Swami”

8. Raju’s Second Epiphany

9. Raju’s Character Arc Gradual progression towards enlightenment
“Raju had mentioned without a single omission every detail from his birth to his emergence from the gates of the prison” (184).
Final symbolic role reversal
“‘This man will finish me before I know who I am.’ After profound thought, the judge rose in his seat. ‘I shall go back to the village…’” (185)

10. Materialism and Spiritualism
“He went to the backyard and rinsed his mouth noiselessly - he didn’t want to smell of food when he went back to his mat” (187).
“Get out, all of you, and leave me alone, I am not the man to save you. No power on earth can save you if you are doomed” (187).
“An empty vessel makes much noise” (187).

11. Materialism and Spiritualism
“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” (189).

12. Materialism and Spiritualism

13. Rebirth Imagery Dawn/morning imagery → new beginning
“Raju’s narration concluded with the crowing of the cock” (184)
“The morning sun was out...a great shaft of light illuminated the surroundings” (196)
Birth imagery → spiritual awakening
“They held him as if he were a baby. Raju opened his eyes, looked about” (196)

14. Rebirth Imagery Baptismal imagery
“He went down the steps of the river...and finally reached his basin of water. He stepped into it, shut his eyes, and turned toward the mountain, his lips muttering the prayer” (196).
Light imagery → emphasizes second epiphany
“The morning sun was out...a great shaft of light illuminated the surroundings” (196)
All nature/natural images → transitioning away from materialism; growth, development

15. Rebirth Imagery

16. Discussion Questions
To what extent is Raju’s epiphany “real”? Have his views on his purpose actually transformed? If so, how can you tell?
Compare and contrast Lily’s awakening in To The Lighthouse to Raju’s rebirth.
Explore connections between rebirth imagery and religious themes in regards to Raju’s spiritual growth.
How does Narayan’s use of irony develop over the course of chapter 11?

17. Exit Slip Take out a notecard
On one side, write a question that you have remaining from the chapter
On the other side, draw your resolution for second semester senior year. How are YOU going to become spiritually enlightened like Raju?