1. The Guide Chapter 1

2. Point of View & Structure  What choices is Narayan making regarding point of view and structure?  Identify POV, point in time, main content of each section of the chapter.

3. Who is Raju?  What clues are we provided with in Chapter 1 as to the nature of Raju? Find 3 quotations that tell us something about him.

4.  Reread the first page. How does it work as an opening for the novel? How does it compare with the openings of the other 2 novels?

5.  Where does the story of Devaka come from? What does Raju say about the story of Devaka? How might this story within a story be important to the story we are about to read?

6.  Comment on Velan’s treatment of Raju. What does he assume about Raju and why? Would you say Raju is conning Velan or not? Explain

7.  Comment on Raju’s family. How would you characterize his mother and father?

8. Comparisons